Southfields Crime Rate

Southfields presents a unique statistical profile with an overall crime rate of 205.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this high volume, the area maintains a safety score of 66/100, which remains above the UK average of 50. This discrepancy is explained by the nature of the crime; over 60% of all incidents are shoplifting, which primarily affects businesses rather than residential safety. The recent trend is stable, showing a minor 1.0% decrease year-over-year. While the headline figures may seem high, the data suggests that for residents, the primary concerns are property and vehicle security rather than personal safety. This report breaks down the data to provide a clear picture of what these numbers mean for those living in Southfields.

The crime statistics for Southfields are heavily influenced by a single category: shoplifting. This offence accounts for a staggering 60.8% of all recorded crime in the area, with 183 incidents over the past year. This results in an exceptionally high shoplifting rate of 124.9 per 1,000 residents. Following this, violence and sexual offences (12.3%) and public order offences (6.0%) are the next most frequent.

When looking at property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and all forms of theft—the rate in Southfields is 152.9 per 1,000 people. This is nearly five times the UK average of 32.3. While the high volume of shoplifting (business crime) inflates this figure, other property crimes like vehicle crime (8.2 per 1,000) and other theft (10.2 per 1,000) also contribute to a challenging environment for residents. For homeowners, this means that while domestic burglary is relatively low at 2.7 per 1,000, the general level of opportunistic theft and vehicle-related crime in the vicinity is high, necessitating a very proactive approach to personal and property security.

The crime rate in Southfields has remained remarkably stable over the last year, with a negligible decrease of just 1.0%. This suggests that the high volume of retail-related crime is a consistent feature of the area's environment.

Monthly data reveals significant peaks and troughs. February 2025 was the most active month by far, with the crime rate surging to 32.1 per 1,000. Other busy periods included December 2024 (23.2) and November 2025 (22.5). Conversely, July 2025 saw a dramatic drop to just 5.5 per 1,000, which is an outlier for the area. Aside from this dip, the rate typically fluctuates between 12 and 20 per 1,000. For residents and business owners, this stability means that crime is a predictable factor that requires constant management rather than a reacting to sudden new threats. The consistency of these figures highlights the need for permanent, high-quality security solutions.

How To Keep Safe in Southfields

Shoplifting is the most prevalent crime in Southfields, accounting for over 60% of all incidents. While this is primarily a business concern, the high levels of theft in the area suggest that residents should also be extra vigilant regarding their personal property.

When shopping or visiting commercial areas, ensure your bags are securely zipped and never left unattended. High-theft areas often attract opportunistic pickpockets. If you are a car owner, the high rate of vehicle crime at night (55% of night-time incidents) means you should never leave valuables on display, even for short periods. Using a steering lock can also serve as a strong physical deterrent.

For those living near retail hubs, ensure your home security is visible. Motion-activated lighting and clear signage indicating professional monitoring can discourage opportunistic thieves who may be operating in the area. Finally, stay alert to your surroundings in busy areas and report any suspicious behaviour, such as individuals loitering near vehicle ranks or shop entrances, to local security or the police.

Crime in Southfields follows a very specific temporal pattern tied to commercial activity. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the most active periods, where theft and shoplifting account for 53% and 62% of all crimes, respectively. This aligns with standard retail opening hours when footfall is highest.

As the shops close, the nature of crime shifts. In the evening (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime becomes more prominent, accounting for 25% of incidents, while other miscellaneous offences rise to 38%. The most critical period for vehicle owners is the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime accounts for a dominant 55% of all recorded offences. Burglary remains a consistent but lower-level threat throughout the day and night, peaking slightly at 13% during the early hours. This data indicates that while daytime is the peak for retail theft, the night-time poses the greatest risk to private property, particularly vehicles.

Southfields has a significantly higher crime rate than all of its immediate neighbours. At 205.5 crimes per 1,000 people, it far exceeds Chadwell St Mary (105.3) and Orsett (63.0). It is also much more active than Horndon on the Hill, which has a rate of 52.4. The nearby area of Baker Street recorded zero crimes, highlighting the stark contrast within the Thurrock authority area. The primary driver for this difference is the high volume of shoplifting in Southfields, which is not as prevalent in the more residential or rural neighbouring areas. For those comparing locations, Southfields is a busy commercial hub, which naturally attracts higher crime statistics than its quieter, more suburban counterparts.

The property crime rate in Southfields is exceptionally high at 152.9 per 1,000 residents. While much of this is shoplifting, the high volume of theft-related activity creates an environment where opportunistic crime is common. Vehicle crime is also a significant factor, especially at night. In such a high-activity area, traditional security systems that merely record footage are often insufficient. By the time you receive a notification on your phone from a standard DIY camera, the theft has likely already occurred.

scOS offers a different approach by focusing on proactive prevention. Its AI-driven operating system monitors all your cameras simultaneously, learning your routines and identifying genuine threats at your property boundary. In an area like Southfields, where vehicle crime accounts for 55% of night-time offences, scOS's ability to detect intruders and trigger an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings—can stop a crime before it starts. This proactive boundary protection is the most effective way to safeguard your assets in a region with high property crime statistics.