Walton-on-the-Naze Crime Rate

Walton-on-the-Naze presents a safety profile that is generally favourable compared to national figures. The area maintains an overall crime rate of 86.3 per 1,000 residents, which sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 78/100, indicating a secure environment for the local population of 6,740. Recent data shows the crime trend is stable, with a marginal year-over-year decrease of 2.8%. This consistency suggests that the local security landscape is well-managed, providing a predictable environment for residents and visitors alike. The following analysis explores the specific breakdown of these figures to provide a comprehensive view of safety in the area.

Crime in Walton-on-the-Naze

Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent crime category in Walton-on-the-Naze, accounting for 45.4% of all incidents with 264 reported cases. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (11.2%) and anti-social behaviour (10.0%). These figures highlight a concentration of personal and community-based offences rather than acquisitive crime.

Property crime in the area, which encompasses burglary, robbery, various forms of theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 28.5 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting and other theft are the most common, each with 39 cases, while burglary remains relatively low with 14 recorded incidents (2.1 per 1,000). For residents, this suggests that while personal safety remains a priority, the risk of property-related intrusion is lower than in many comparable urban settlements.

Crime Trends in Walton-on-the-Naze

The crime rate in Walton-on-the-Naze is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.8%. This suggests that the local policing and community safety initiatives are effectively containing crime levels. Analysis of the monthly trend data from the past year reveals a relatively consistent pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating between a low of 4.5 in February 2025 and a peak of 8.6 in September 2025.

Other notable months include January, June, and July, which all maintained rates around 8.0, indicating slightly higher activity during the summer months when tourism in the coastal area typically increases. However, the overall stability of the data—ending the period with a rate of 7.3 in November 2025—provides reassurance for residents. The lack of significant spikes or sharp declines indicates a well-regulated environment where crime is not spiralling, but rather fluctuating within expected seasonal norms.

How To Keep Safe in Walton-on-the-Naze

The most prevalent crime in Walton-on-the-Naze is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 45.4% of total reported incidents. While these often involve known parties, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is always advisable.

When walking through the town, particularly during the evening hours, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid poorly lit shortcuts or isolated coastal paths. If you are out late, try to travel with a companion. Being aware of your surroundings is the simplest way to deter opportunistic threats; avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone in quiet areas.

For local business owners, especially those in the retail sector, ensuring clear sightlines and adequate lighting at entrances can help manage the risk of anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Installing a visible, professional security system also acts as a powerful deterrent. Always report suspicious activity to the local police to help them allocate patrols effectively across the town.

Crime in Walton-on-the-Naze follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft and vehicle-related offences, likely coinciding with retail hours and local transport movements. Specifically, 46% of crimes in the afternoon are theft-related. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of recorded incidents shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, with the 'other' category rising to 59% of reports between 6pm and midnight. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a significant peak in vehicle crime, which accounts for 38% of incidents during these hours, as properties and vehicles are left unattended. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the afternoon and night, reflecting opportunistic attempts when homes are empty or residents are asleep.

When comparing Walton-on-the-Naze to its immediate neighbours, it has the highest crime rate in the immediate cluster at 86.3 per 1,000. Frinton-on-Sea sits lower at 69.2, while the more rural Kirby-le-Soken (54.3) and Kirby Cross (35.3) offer even lower rates. Great Holland remains an outlier with no recorded crimes. While Walton-on-the-Naze is the most active area in this group, its rate remains below the UK average, suggesting that the entire coastal strip between Walton and Frinton is a relatively safe region compared to larger Essex urban centres.

With a property crime rate of 28.5 per 1,000 people, Walton-on-the-Naze residents should consider the effectiveness of their home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are reactive; they notify you or record footage only after an incident has occurred. In an area where criminal damage and arson are the second most common crimes, preventing an incident from escalating is vital.

The scOS artificial intelligence platform offers a proactive alternative to traditional security. By monitoring all camera feeds simultaneously, scOS can identify potential threats at the property boundary before a break-in is attempted. This autonomous response—activating lights or audio deterrents—disrupts the criminal's decision-making process. Most burglars seek the path of least resistance; the visible presence of a professional-grade, AI-driven system signals that a property is a difficult target. For homeowners in Walton, moving from recording a crime to preventing one is the most significant step toward total peace of sea-side security.