Lawford Crime Rate

Lawford is one of the safest areas in the region, boasting an exceptional safety score of 90/100. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 79, reflecting a very secure environment for its 4,805 residents. The overall crime rate in Lawford is just 40.6 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the national average of 91.7. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with only a 1.0% increase year-over-year, indicating that the area maintains its high safety standards consistently. With property crime rates also well below the national average, Lawford represents a premier choice for those prioritising security and peace of mind. The detailed breakdown below further illustrates why Lawford is considered a low-crime haven.

Crime in Lawford

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime in Lawford, representing 44.6% of total incidents. This is followed by 'other theft' at 13.3% and public order offences at 9.2%. These figures suggest that while personal safety is the primary category, the overall volume of crime is exceptionally low for the population size.

Property crime in Lawford, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 13.1 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most common with 26 cases, while burglary is remarkably rare, with only 4 recorded incidents (0.8 per 1,000). Vehicle crime is also low, with 9 reported cases. For residents of Lawford, the risk of property-related crime is minimal compared to national standards. The data indicates a very secure residential environment where burglary and vehicle theft are outliers rather than common occurrences. Owners of homes and vehicles can feel a high degree of confidence in the local security landscape.

Crime Trends in Lawford

Lawford's crime rate is exceptionally stable, with a mere 1.0% increase year-over-year. This consistency is a hallmark of the area's safe environment. Monthly data shows very low levels of activity throughout the year, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating between a low of 2.1 in February 2025 and a peak of 5.6 in May 2025.

The slightly higher rates in April, May, and November (all above 4.0) do not represent a significant surge but rather minor fluctuations in a generally low-crime landscape. By November 2025, the rate was 4.2, showing that crime remains well-controlled. This lack of significant variation over the twelve-month period indicates that Lawford is not subject to the seasonal spikes seen in more urban or coastal areas. For residents, this trend data confirms that Lawford remains a consistently secure and predictable place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Lawford

Lawford is a very low-crime area, but staying aware of local patterns can help maintain this high level of safety. The most common recorded incidents are violence and sexual offences, though the actual numbers are very low.

In public spaces, continue to follow standard safety practices: stay in well-lit areas at night and be aware of your surroundings. The community's safety is bolstered by neighbours looking out for one another, so participating in local watch schemes can be very effective.

Regarding property, although burglary is rare, it is still wise to ensure all doors and windows are locked when you are away. For vehicle owners, the night-time increase in vehicle-related reports (40% of night-time crime) suggests that parking in a garage or a well-lit driveway is beneficial. Installing a professional security system not only protects your home but also contributes to the overall deterrence of crime in the neighbourhood. Reporting any unusual activity to the police helps them maintain the excellent safety record Lawford currently enjoys.

Crime in Lawford is infrequent, but it does follow specific temporal patterns. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the most active period for theft, with 73% of crimes during these hours being theft-related. This likely corresponds with daytime activity and commercial movements. During the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, increase to 37% of reports. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a notable shift; while overall crime is very low, vehicle crime accounts for 40% of incidents during these hours. This suggests that vehicles are the primary target when the village is at its quietest. Burglary remains a very low but consistent factor across all periods, with a slight relative peak at night (13%). Morning hours are dominated by theft (67%), reflecting the start of the daily cycle.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Lawford is a very safe option. Its crime rate of 40.6 per 1,000 is much lower than Manningtree (83.2) and Mistley (72.1). While Brantham (27.1) and the Foxash Estate (0.0) have even lower rates, Lawford remains significantly safer than the regional average. For residents and commuters in the Tendring and Colchester border area, Lawford offers a highly secure residential base with crime levels that are among the lowest in the county.

With an exceptionally low property crime rate of 13.1 per 1,000 people, Lawford is a model of residential safety. However, even in low-crime areas, the impact of a single burglary or vehicle theft can be profound. Traditional security systems like standard alarms or DIY cameras are reactive; they notify you after a sensor has been tripped or a window broken. In a quiet area like Lawford, the goal of security should be to maintain the status quo by deterring even the most infrequent opportunistic threat.

The scOS platform provides proactive protection that aligns with Lawford's high safety standards. By using AI to monitor camera feeds, scOS identifies potential threats at the property line before any damage is done. The system's ability to autonomously respond—activating lights or audio alerts—ensures that an intruder is deterred instantly. Most opportunistic criminals will avoid a property that shows active, intelligent monitoring. For Lawford homeowners, moving from a reactive system to proactive AI detection is about preserving the peace and security that makes the village so desirable.