Manningtree Crime Rate

Manningtree is a high-safety urban settlement, featuring a safety score of 82/100, which is notably better than the UK average of 79. For its 1,694 residents, the town offers a secure environment with an overall crime rate of 83.2 per 1,000 people, well below the national average of 91.7. Recent data shows that the crime trend is decreasing, with a significant 22.5% reduction year-over-year, indicating that the area maintains its safety standards effectively. While property crime, particularly shoplifting and vehicle-related offences, is a factor in the local statistics, the overall volume of crime is well-controlled. This combination of a high safety score and a downward trend makes Manningtree an attractive choice for those prioritising security. The detailed analysis below explores the local crime breakdown and temporal patterns.

Crime in Manningtree

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Manningtree, accounting for 31.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 20.6% and anti-social behaviour at 12.8%. These figures indicate that personal safety and retail theft are the primary concerns in the area.

Property crime in Manningtree, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 37.2 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent with 29 cases, while vehicle crime is also a notable factor with 13 reported incidents (7.7 per 1,000). Burglary is less common, with 3 recorded incidents (1.8 per 1,000). For residents, the combined rate of property crime and retail theft suggests that home and vehicle security should be a priority. The data implies that while burglary is not the dominant offence, the overall risk to property is statistically significant, especially regarding vehicles. Homeowners should consider robust security measures to protect against opportunistic theft and vehicle-related crime.

Crime Trends in Manningtree

Manningtree's crime rate has shown a significant downward trend over the past year, with a 22.5% reduction year-over-year. Monthly data from the past year shows considerable volatility, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents reaching a low of 3.0 in December 2024 and peaking at 11.8 in April 2025.

The spring and summer months, particularly April and September, saw higher crime rates, reaching double digits. However, by November 2025, the rate had fallen to 4.1, showing a significant reduction from the earlier peaks. This overall decrease suggests that local safety standards are improving. Residents should be aware of these fluctuations and take appropriate measures to secure their property, especially during higher-activity months. The consistent reduction over the past twelve months provides a positive outlook for the town's future safety.

How To Keep Safe in Manningtree

The most prevalent crime in Manningtree is violence and sexual offences, making up 31.2% of all reports. Personal safety and awareness in public spaces are important factors for staying safe in the area.

When moving around the town, particularly after dark, stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone if possible. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones in quiet streets. If you encounter anti-social behaviour, which is the third most common issue, it is best to move away and report it to the authorities.

Property security is also vital, especially for vehicle owners. The high rate of night-time vehicle crime (65% of night-time reports) suggests that parking in a garage or a well-lit driveway is a necessary precaution. Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked, even when you are at home. Installing a visible, professional-grade security system can act as a significant deterrent. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity play a key role in supporting local safety initiatives.

Crime in Manningtree follows distinct temporal patterns that residents should be aware of. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are peak periods for theft, with theft accounting for 42% and 52% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the hours of highest daytime shopping activity. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, with the 'other' category rising to 32% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly significant for property crime; vehicle crime surges to account for 65% of incidents during these hours. This suggests that while personal safety is a concern throughout the day, vehicles are at the highest risk under the cover of darkness. Morning hours see a return to theft-related activity as the town becomes more active.

When compared to its neighbours, Manningtree is a varied option for safety. Its crime rate of 83.2 per 1,000 is higher than Lawford (40.6), Mistley (72.1), and Brantham (27.1). Nearby Bradfield remains the safest local comparison with no recorded crimes. These comparisons highlight Manningtree as one of the busier towns in the area for law enforcement, likely due to its role as a local commercial hub. For those considering the area, Manningtree requires more attention to vehicle and retail security than some of its quieter residential neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 37.2 per 1,000 people and a significant level of vehicle crime, Manningtree residents face a genuine need for robust home and car security. Traditional security systems, which often rely on recording footage of a crime after it has happened, are often insufficient in areas where vehicle theft is a primary concern. They offer evidence for investigation but do nothing to stop the initial loss or the resulting damage to property.

The scOS platform offers a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it happens. By utilizing AI to monitor all camera feeds simultaneously, scOS can detect a threat at the property boundary. Whether it's an unauthorised person in a garden or someone tampering with a vehicle, the system can autonomously respond by activating deterrents like lights or speakers. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that opportunistic criminals rely on. In an area like Manningtree, where night-time vehicle crime is a specific risk, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection provides the best possible defence for your home and assets.