Elder Street Crime Rate

Elder Street is an exceptionally safe and peaceful residential area, boasting an overall crime rate of just 19.4 per 1,000 people. This is one of the lowest rates in the country, far below the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a near-perfect safety score of 96/100. Furthermore, the crime rate is trending downwards, with an 11.1% decrease year-over-year. For the 2,475 residents, this data reflects an environment where crime is a rare occurrence. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported category, the actual number of incidents is very small, making Elder Street a premier choice for those prioritising safety and security.

Crime in Elder Street

Crime in Elder Street is remarkably low, with the most frequent type being violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.3% of the total. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.6%. Interestingly, bicycle theft, anti-social behaviour, and burglary all share the third spot, each making up 8.3% of reported incidents.

Property crime in Elder Street, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a combined rate of 8.5 per 1,000 people. This is one of the lowest property crime rates in the country, far below the UK average of 32.9. Burglary specifically accounts for 8.3% of total crime, with a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. Bicycle theft is equally common at 1.6 per 1,000. For residents, this means the risk of property-related crime is minimal, though the presence of burglary and bicycle theft indicates that basic security remains important to maintain the area's near-perfect safety record.

Crime Trends in Elder Street

The crime trend in Elder Street is very positive, with total reported offences decreasing by 11.1% year-over-year. For an area that already has an exceptionally low crime rate, this further reduction is a testament to the community's security and the effectiveness of local policing.

The monthly data for the past year shows a very low and stable pattern. The crime rate never exceeded 2.4 incidents per 1,000 people, which occurred in February and May 2025. The lowest points were recorded in April and September 2025, with a rate of just 0.8. Throughout the latter half of 2025, the rate has fluctuated between 0.8 and 2.0, showing a consistently low level of activity. This stability, combined with the overall double-digit percentage decrease in the annual total, confirms Elder Street's status as one of the safest and most secure places to live in the entire region.

How To Keep Safe in Elder Street

The most common crime in Elder Street is violence and sexual offences, though the actual number of cases is extremely low. General vigilance and community awareness are the best ways to maintain the area's high safety standards.

To stay safe, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings when walking at night, even in such a low-crime area. Since bicycle theft and burglary are among the most frequent property crimes, ensure that bikes are securely locked in a garage or with high-quality chains, and that all home entry points are well-fortified.

Even with a very low crime rate, a visible security system can act as a strong deterrent against opportunistic thieves. Participating in local neighbourhood watch groups can also help keep you informed about any unusual activity in the area. Finally, reporting any incidents of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour to the local police will help ensure that Elder Street's crime rate continues its positive downward trend.

The timing of crime in Elder Street shows that activity is generally very low but follows some typical urban patterns. Theft-related offences are most common during the day, making up 34% of morning incidents and 31% of afternoon incidents. This likely corresponds to periods of higher footfall and residential activity.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of property crime shifts. Burglary risk is present throughout the day but peaks slightly at night, accounting for 26% of incidents between 12am and 6am. Vehicle crime also peaks at night, representing 20% of reported crimes in the early hours. However, the majority of evening activity falls into 'other' categories, such as anti-social behaviour and public order, which account for 58% of incidents. Given the very low overall crime volume, these percentages represent only a small number of actual cases, but they highlight that night-time remains the primary window for property-related concerns in Elder Street.

In the local regional context, Elder Street is a standout for safety. Its crime rate of 19.4 is significantly lower than the nearby market towns of Saffron Walden (49.2) and Thaxted (46.1). While it is slightly more active than the very small rural hamlets of Debden, Sewards End, and Widdington—all of which report 0.0 crimes per 1,000—Elder Street remains one of the most secure urban settlements in the Uttlesford district. Its low-density residential nature and quiet streets contribute to its status as a very low-risk area compared to its larger neighbours.

Elder Street has an exceptionally low property crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents. In such a safe area, the goal of security is often about maintaining that peace of mind and preventing the rare, opportunistic incident. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, are reactive and only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive alternative that is much better suited to preserving the safety of a community like Elder Street. By using AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can detect unauthorised presence in real-time. If someone is seen loitering near your home or bicycle storage at night (when burglary risk is slightly higher), scOS can trigger autonomous responses like turning on lights or playing an audio warning. This proactive detection stops a potential crime before it happens. For Elder Street homeowners, scOS provides professional-grade, intelligent protection that ensures their home remains as safe as the surrounding neighbourhood.