Thurrock Crime Rate

The latest crime statistics for Thurrock reveal an overall crime rate of 96.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this, Thurrock maintains a solid safety score of 78/100, which is very close to the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Thurrock is stable, with a minor 1.3% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. This suggests that while there are specific challenges—particularly related to the area's role as a major retail and logistics hub—the overall safety environment remains consistent. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help Thurrock's 181,000 residents understand their local safety landscape.

About Thurrock

Thurrock is a unique local authority area in Essex, situated on the north bank of the River Thames. It is a major economic hub characterised by its significant industrial and commercial infrastructure. The area is home to the Port of Tilbury and the DP World London Gateway, making it one of the UK's most important logistics and shipping centres. Additionally, the Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of the largest retail complexes in the country, drawing millions of visitors annually.

These factors significantly influence Thurrock's crime statistics. The high volume of commercial activity and the presence of major transport hubs can lead to higher rates of shoplifting and vehicle-related crime. The area's mix of dense urban residential zones and large-scale industrial sites also creates a varied safety landscape. The transient population associated with the ports and the retail sector, combined with the area's strategic location on the M25 and A13, contributes to a crime rate that is slightly above the UK average but balanced by a respectable safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Thurrock

In Thurrock, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, representing 33.6% of all reports with a rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by shoplifting (11.7%) and vehicle crime (10.6%). The high percentage of shoplifting and vehicle crime is directly linked to the area's major retail and logistics sectors.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—presents a combined rate of 41.5 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Vehicle crime is particularly significant here, accounting for 10.6% of all offences, which is much higher than in many other local authorities. Burglary accounts for 3.0% of total crime. For residents and business owners in Thurrock, these statistics highlight that property and vehicle security are critical priorities. The data suggests that opportunistic theft, particularly from vehicles and retail premises, is a persistent challenge in the area.

Crime Trends in Thurrock

The crime trend in Thurrock is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 1.3%. This indicates that the local authority is maintaining a consistent safety profile despite its high-density commercial activity. Analysis of the monthly trendData from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuating between a low of 6.9 in February 2025 and a peak of 9.1 in July 2025.

The summer months typically see higher activity, with rates rising from 7.9 in April to the July peak. Following this, the rate settled back down to around 8.2 by November 2025. This seasonal pattern is common in areas with large retail centres, which see higher footfall during holiday periods. For residents, this stability is reassuring, but the consistently higher-than-average property crime rate means that vigilance remains necessary, particularly during the busier summer and holiday shopping seasons.

Thurrock is a major economic and transport hub in the South East, and its crime statistics reflect this regional role. When compared to nearby areas like Havering, Dartford, Basildon, and Gravesham, Thurrock's reported crime rate of 96.2 per 1,000 is significantly higher, as these areas report rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset. Similarly, Bexley and Barking and Dagenham also show minimal reported activity in comparison. This disparity is typical for an area that contains major national infrastructure like international ports and large-scale retail centres, which naturally draw a higher volume of reported incidents than more purely residential neighbouring boroughs. For those considering the region, Thurrock offers significant employment and retail opportunities but with the associated crime profile of a major commercial hub.

With a property crime rate of 41.5 per 1,000, Thurrock residents face a higher-than-average risk of theft, particularly vehicle-related crime. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In a high-activity area like Thurrock, a proactive approach to home security is essential for true protection.

The scOS operating system provides this by using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike standard systems, scOS identifies suspicious behaviour and potential threats before they reach your door. By integrating multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—scOS removes the element of surprise that criminals rely on. For Thurrock homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to protect both their property and their vehicles from the opportunistic crime common in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Thurrock

The most prevalent crime type in Thurrock is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by shoplifting and vehicle crime. Given the area's unique commercial profile, both personal and property safety are important considerations for residents.

1. When visiting major retail areas like Lakeside, be mindful of your personal belongings and avoid leaving shopping bags visible in your car.
2. Thurrock has a high rate of vehicle crime (10.6%). Always park in well-lit, secure areas and consider using additional security devices like steering wheel locks.
3. When walking at night, stick to busy, well-lit routes and avoid isolated industrial areas or shortcuts through unlit paths.
4. For homeowners, ensure that your property's exterior is well-lit and that all gates and fences are in good repair to deter opportunistic trespassers.
5. If you work in the local retail or logistics sectors, follow all workplace safety protocols and report any suspicious activity to site security or the police immediately.