Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock Crime Rate

Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock presents a unique safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 107.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7. This is largely due to the area's status as a premier retail destination, which naturally inflates the volume of reported incidents. Despite this, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 76/100. Recent data shows the crime trend is stable, with a 3.4% increase year-over-year. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the 22,500 residents, even with the high footfall from visitors. The following analysis provides a detailed look at when and where crimes occur to help residents stay informed.

Crime Breakdown in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock

The crime profile of Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock is heavily influenced by its status as a major retail and residential hub. The most frequent offence is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.0% of total crime with a rate of 30.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed closely by shoplifting at 19.1% and vehicle crime at 12.8%. The high incidence of shoplifting is directly attributable to the proximity of the Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Property-related crime—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is a significant concern here, with a combined rate of 55.7 per 1,000 people. This is substantially higher than the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime is particularly prominent, making up 12.8% of all offences, while burglary is relatively low at 1.7%. For residents, this data suggests that while their homes are less likely to be broken into, their vehicles and personal property in public spaces are at a higher risk. The high volume of property crime (55.7) emphasizes the need for robust security measures, especially for those living near the major commercial and transport corridors of the area.

Crime Trends in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock

The crime trend in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock is currently stable, with a 3.4% increase year-over-year. This indicates that while there has been a slight upward movement, the overall safety profile of the area has not undergone a radical shift. Analysis of the monthly trendData from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuating between a low of 6.6 in February 2025 and a peak of 10.3 in June 2025.

The summer months showed a sustained period of higher activity, with rates staying at or above 8.9 from May through November. The end of the period saw a return to higher levels, with November 2025 recording a rate of 10.0. This suggests that the area experiences consistent pressure from its retail and transport links. For residents, the data indicates a stable but high-volume environment, requiring ongoing attention to vehicle and personal security, particularly during the busier summer and winter holiday seasons.

How To Keep Safe in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock

The highest crime type in the area is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by shoplifting and vehicle crime. Because of the area's heavy retail and transport focus, specific precautions can greatly enhance your safety.

1. When parking at retail parks or near the station, ensure no valuables are left in your vehicle. Vehicle crime is the most prevalent offence at night, accounting for 66% of incidents.
2. Be vigilant in busy shopping areas. Keep purses and wallets secure and be aware of your surroundings to deter opportunistic theft.
3. If you are a resident, ensure your driveway is well-lit. Motion-activated lighting is a strong deterrent for the vehicle-related crime common in the area.
4. When walking home from the station after dark, stick to the main, well-lit pedestrian routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit car parks or alleyways.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police or site security at the major commercial parks.

Crime Timing in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock

Criminal activity in Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock follows a distinct pattern linked to its commercial and residential nature. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak period for theft and shoplifting, accounting for 54% of crimes during these hours, as the retail centres reach maximum capacity. Conversely, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a dramatic shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up a staggering 66% of all offences in this period.

Morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see significant theft activity (43%), while evening hours (6pm - 12am) present a more varied mix, with vehicle crime (33%) and other offences (40%) being the primary concerns. Burglary remains a low but steady threat across all time periods, peaking slightly in the afternoon at 7%. For residents, this means that vehicle security is the paramount concern overnight, while personal property and retail awareness are most important during the busy daylight hours.

Within the Thurrock local authority, Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock has a higher crime rate (107.4 per 1,000) than nearby Purfleet-on-Thames (86.8) and Aveley (87.5). It also exceeds the rate in Grays (99.4). This disparity is primarily due to the intense commercial activity concentrated in West Thurrock, particularly around the Lakeside Shopping Centre, which naturally results in more reported retail and vehicle-related incidents than in the more residential neighbouring areas. For those considering the region, Chafford Hundred remains a highly popular residential choice, offering modern housing and excellent amenities, but with a crime profile that reflects its role as a major regional hub.

With a property crime rate of 55.7 per 1,000, residents of Chafford Hundred and West Thurrock face a significantly higher risk than the UK average. This is particularly true for vehicle crime, which dominates the night-time statistics. Traditional security, like standard CCTV, often only provides footage of a crime after it's been committed. For effective protection in this high-activity area, a proactive approach is required.

The scOS system offers this by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It doesn't just record; it detects threats. scOS can identify a potential intruder or someone scouting vehicles and trigger immediate deterrents, such as autonomous lighting or audio alerts. This stops the crime before your property is touched. In an area where vehicle crime accounts for 66% of night-time offences, having a system that proactively defends your driveway is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure.