Uttlesford Crime Rate

Uttlesford is one of the safest districts in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 60.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 86/100. The crime trend in Uttlesford is currently stable, showing a marginal 0.9% decrease year-over-year. Known for its affluent market towns and rural charm, the district provides a secure environment for its residents, although specific areas like Stansted Airport can influence local statistics. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and safety comparisons to help you understand the local environment in Uttlesford.

Uttlesford is a largely rural district in Essex, characterised by its picturesque market towns like Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow, alongside numerous charming villages. The area is known for its high quality of life, affluent demographic, and historical significance. A major geographical and economic feature is Stansted Airport, which serves as a significant transport hub and employer, influencing the area's transient population and transport-related activities.

The district's population density is relatively low, which generally correlates with a lower crime rate compared to urban Essex. The economy is diverse, with strong sectors in aviation, agriculture, and high-tech industries. The area attracts commuters due to its excellent links to London and Cambridge. These factors, combined with a stable residential population, contribute to the Staffordshire Moorlands' high safety score. However, the presence of a major international airport can lead to specific crime patterns, such as theft and vehicle-related offences, which are reflected in the local statistics. Understanding these unique characteristics helps contextualise the area's overall safety profile and crime trends.

In Uttlesford, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.4% of all incidents, with a rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 13.4% of reports, followed by other theft at 11.6%. These figures suggest that while the area is generally safe, personal safety and community order remain the primary focus for local policing.

Property crime in the district, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 23.9 per 1,000 people. This includes 395 vehicle crimes and 243 burglaries recorded over the past year. While this rate is lower than the UK average of 32.9, property crime represents a significant portion of local activity. Shoplifting (5.8%) and criminal damage (8.9%) also contribute to the overall statistics. For residents, this means that protecting homes and vehicles is essential, as opportunistic theft remains a persistent risk in both the market towns and the more isolated rural villages across the district.

The crime trend in Uttlesford is currently stable, with a marginal 0.9% decrease in total reported offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly trend data shows a relatively consistent level of activity throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 people started at 4.7 in November 2024 and fluctuated slightly, ending at 5.2 in October 2025.

A notable peak occurred in July 2025, where the rate rose to 5.7 per 1,000, which is a common seasonal trend as public activity increases during the summer months. Conversely, February 2025 saw the lowest rate of 4.5. The latter half of 2025 saw the rate hover between 4.6 and 5.7, indicating a stable environment without significant spikes. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, suggesting that while certain months may see minor variations, the overall trajectory of crime in the district is well-managed and not experiencing significant upward pressure.

In a regional context, Uttlesford's crime rate of 60.1 per 1,000 people is compared against neighbouring areas. Data for Braintree, East Hertfordshire, Harlow, South Cambridgeshire, Chelmsford, and Epping Forest all show crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. While these figures likely reflect different reporting methods or administrative boundaries, they suggest that Uttlesford is a primary focus for crime reporting in the immediate vicinity. Despite being higher than these reported neighbours, Uttlesford remains a very safe district, with a crime rate that is approximately 35% lower than the national average, making it a highly desirable and secure place to live.

In Uttlesford, where the property crime rate is 23.9 per 1,000 people, residents are increasingly looking beyond traditional security measures. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are often reactive, providing footage of an incident only after it has occurred. For true peace of mind in this largely rural and affluent district, a proactive approach is required.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system represents a shift from recording crime to preventing it. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. This is particularly effective for protecting against the 395 vehicle crimes and 243 burglaries recorded in the area last year. Features such as autonomous responses—where lights and speakers activate upon detecting an intruder—destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area like Uttlesford, investing in professional-grade, AI-driven protection ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on.

How To Keep Safe in Uttlesford

The most prevalent crime type in Uttlesford is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings in public spaces, particularly in the larger market towns. When walking at night, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. If you are using public transport or taxis, especially around Stansted Airport, ensure you use registered services.

For broader regional safety, residents should also be mindful of the 13.4% of crimes related to anti-social behaviour. Reporting persistent issues to the local council or police can help authorities allocate resources more effectively. Additionally, given the property crime rate, you should ensure that vehicles are never left unlocked and that high-value items are kept out of sight from windows. In rural areas, securing outbuildings like sheds and garages is also vital. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can provide an extra layer of community-based security and information sharing, helping to maintain the district's high safety standards.