St Osyth Crime Rate

St Osyth presents a safety profile that requires attention, with an overall crime rate of 138.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of recorded incidents results in a safety score of 63/100, placing it below the national average of 79. Furthermore, crime in St Osyth has increased by 10.9% year-over-year, indicating a rising trend in local activity. While the village is a popular coastal destination, the statistics suggest that residents and visitors should be vigilant regarding personal safety and property security. The following analysis explores the specific breakdown of crime types and temporal patterns to provide a comprehensive view of safety in St Osyth.

Crime in St Osyth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in St Osyth, accounting for 50.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.6% and 'other theft' at 7.3%. These figures indicate that personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns in the area.

Property crime in St Osyth, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 35.4 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, 'other theft' and vehicle crime are the most frequent, with 32 and 29 cases respectively. Burglary is less common, with 11 recorded incidents (3.5 per 1,000). For residents, the combined rate of property crime and criminal damage suggests that home and vehicle security should be a high priority. The data implies that while burglary is not the dominant offence, the overall risk to property is statistically significant, especially during peak periods. Homeowners should consider robust security measures to protect against opportunistic theft and vehicle-related crime.

Crime Trends in St Osyth

St Osyth's crime rate has shown an upward trend over the past year, with a 10.9% year-over-year increase. Monthly data from the past year shows significant volatility, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents reaching a low of 4.4 in December 2024 and peaking at 21.2 in July 2025.

The summer months, particularly April through August, consistently saw much higher crime rates, which is common in coastal villages during the tourist season. Rates reached double digits in April and stayed high through October. However, by November 2025, the rate had fallen back to 10.1, showing a reduction from the summer peak. This seasonal spike suggests that while the village is generally quieter in winter, the influx of visitors in summer brings a significant increase in recorded crime. Residents should be particularly vigilant during the warmer months when local activity is at its highest.

How To Keep Safe in St Osyth

The most prevalent crime in St Osyth is violence and sexual offences, making up 50.7% of all reports. Personal safety and awareness in public spaces are the most important factors for staying safe in the area.

When moving around the village, 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 second 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 (53% 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 St Osyth follows distinct temporal patterns that residents should be aware of. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is a peak period for theft and burglary, with theft accounting for 54% and burglary for 13% of incidents during these hours. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, with the 'other' category rising to 42% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time period (12am-6am) is particularly significant for property crime; vehicle crime surges to account for 53% 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 (47%) as the village becomes more active.

St Osyth is part of a high-activity coastal cluster. Its crime rate of 138.3 per 1,000 is higher than Point Clear (120.4) and Brightlingsea (48.0), but lower than Jaywick (151.5). Nearby Seawick remains the safest local comparison with no recorded crimes. These comparisons highlight St Osyth as one of the busier areas in the region for law enforcement. For those considering the area, St Osyth requires a higher level of personal and property security awareness than many of the more inland Essex villages.

With a property crime rate of 35.4 per 1,000 people and a significant level of vehicle crime, St Osyth 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 with higher crime volumes. 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 St Osyth, 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.