Tilbury Crime Rate

Tilbury has an overall crime rate of 138.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.6. The town has been assigned a safety score of 67/100, reflecting a more challenging safety environment compared to the national average of 79/100. Data for the period from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates that the crime trend in Tilbury is currently stable, with a negligible 0.7% change year-over-year. As a major port town with substantial industrial activity, Tilbury's statistics are influenced by its unique economic landscape and transient worker population. While the town is a vital part of the Thurrock local authority, its crime figures are among the highest in the region, necessitating a proactive approach to personal and property safety for all residents and business owners.

Tilbury's crime profile is significantly influenced by its status as a major port and industrial centre. Violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 35.5% of all reports at a rate of 49.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also high at 12.8%, followed closely by criminal damage and arson at 12.5%. These figures suggest that the town faces challenges related to both personal safety and public order within its residential and commercial zones.

Property crime in Tilbury is a major concern, with a rate of 55.8 per 1,000 people—well above the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and multiple forms of theft. Vehicle crime is particularly prominent, occurring at a rate of 14.8 per 1,000 people. Burglary is also notably higher than in neighbouring areas, at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners and business owners, this means that the risk to property is tangible. The high rates of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggest that opportunistic and destructive offences are frequent. Residents are advised that robust security measures for both their homes and vehicles are essential to mitigate these risks in an area with one of the higher property crime rates in the region.

The crime trend in Tilbury is currently classified as stable, with a negligible 0.7% increase in reported incidents over the past year. This indicates that while crime levels are high, they are not currently experiencing a significant upward or downward shift. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with a rate of 9.2 in January, rising to 12.4 in March.

The rate remained high throughout the spring and summer, reaching its yearly peak in July 2025 at 14.5 per 1,000 residents. This summer surge is a common trend in many UK towns. Following this peak, the rate fluctuated between 10.3 and 12.2 for the remainder of the year. The year ended with a rate of 10.5 in December. For residents and local businesses, these figures indicate that the area is consistently active in terms of reported crime, and maintaining a high level of vigilance, especially during the peak months of March and July, is increasingly important. The overall stability of the trend suggests that current safety challenges are persistent rather than transitional.

How To Keep Safe in Tilbury

The most prevalent crime in Tilbury is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 35.5% of all reported incidents. To stay safe, residents should be highly aware of their surroundings, particularly in the town centre and near the port areas. When walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through industrial estates or quiet residential alleys. If you are out late, try to travel with others or use pre-booked transport.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are also significant issues in Tilbury. For homeowners, this means that visible deterrents are essential. Ensure your property is well-lit and that any side access is securely bolted. Vehicle crime is another major concern, especially at night when it makes up 53% of all reported activity. To protect your vehicle, always park in a secure, well-lit location, ideally in a garage or on a driveway behind locked gates. Avoid leaving any items on display inside your car. For local business owners, the high rate of criminal damage suggests that robust physical security and real-time monitoring are necessary to protect your premises. Always report suspicious activity to the local police to help them allocate resources effectively.

Tilbury shows very clear crime cycles, often dictated by its industrial and retail activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are prominent, accounting for 28% and 34% of crimes respectively. This is a common pattern for towns with active commercial centres. In the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant shift toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up a large 54% of reported activity. The most critical shift occurs at night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 53% of all reported incidents. Burglary remains a persistent threat throughout the day, peaking at 16% during the afternoon hours. This data suggests that while daytime risk is concentrated in retail and public spaces, the night-time presents a high and specific risk to residential properties and parked vehicles. Residents should be particularly vigilant about home security during the day and vehicle security overnight.

In the local regional context, Tilbury stands out as a high-activity area. Its crime rate of 138.2 per 1,000 is considerably higher than neighbouring Chadwell St Mary (103.8), Northfleet (102.3), and Grays (98.9). It also exceeds the rate in Gravesend (114.5) across the river. For those considering the area, Tilbury presents a more active crime profile than its immediate neighbours, largely driven by its industrial nature and the high volume of commercial traffic associated with the Port of Tilbury. This comparison underscores the importance of robust security for those living or working in the town, as it is one of the most active zones within the wider Thurrock and North Kent border region.

Tilbury's property crime rate of 55.8 per 1,000 people is one of the highest in the region, making effective security a critical priority for residents. Traditional security systems—like basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras—are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, but they rarely stop it. In an area where vehicle crime accounts for 53% of all night-time offences and burglary rates are elevated, you need a system that acts before the criminal does.

A proactive approach like the scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime. By using intelligent multi-camera monitoring, scOS can detect a potential intruder or vehicle thief the moment they enter your property boundary. Instead of just notifying you after the fact, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. For Tilbury residents, scOS offers professional-grade protection that actively prevents crime, ensuring your home and vehicles are truly secured rather than just recorded after the event.