Great Dunmow Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Great Dunmow, within the Uttlesford district, reflect a crime rate of 70.6 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure places the area slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While a lower rate than the national average is encouraging, a closer examination of the data reveals concerning trends, particularly in the prevalence of violence and sexual offences. The overall safety score for Great Dunmow is 83 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average of 79. Understanding these figures is crucial for residents and local authorities alike to address potential issues and enhance community safety.

The most recent data for Great Dunmow, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion, with 262 reported incidents, representing 40.8% of all recorded crimes. Criminal damage and arson followed, with 68 incidents (10.6%), and anti-social behaviour contributed 65 incidents (10.1%). Vehicle crime, a persistent issue, saw 59 incidents (9.2%), while public order offences accounted for 49 (7.6%). Other theft, at 40 incidents, represents 6.2% of total crime, and burglary, although relatively low in number (25 incidents), remains a concern for residents, accounting for 3.9% of all crime. Shoplifting is also present, with 21 incidents, representing 3.3%. The prevalence of these crime types highlights the diverse challenges facing the community and necessitates targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Great Dunmow have remained relatively stable, showing a slight decrease of -0.3% year-on-year. While this indicates a degree of consistency, fluctuations are evident when examining monthly data. For instance, crime rates peaked in January 2025 at 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and reached a low of 4.0 per 1,000 in June 2025. The December 2025 rate was 7.4 per 1,000, suggesting a possible seasonal pattern. This stability is encouraging but requires continued monitoring and proactive interventions to prevent any upward trends.

How To Keep Safe in Great Dunmow

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Great Dunmow, residents should prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Secondly, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme – community vigilance is a powerful deterrent. Thirdly, secure your home and belongings properly, particularly during periods of absence. Lock doors and windows, and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police immediately – your vigilance can help prevent crime and keep our community safe.

Crimes in Great Dunmow tend to follow a daily pattern. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 18% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences show a higher incidence during the evening hours (6pm - 12am). Vehicle crime is more prevalent overnight (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunistic theft. The afternoon also sees a higher incidence of theft, particularly during commercial hours, likely related to shoplifting or other forms of property crime. Understanding these patterns can help residents and law enforcement target preventative measures and enhance community safety.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Great Dunmow's crime rate presents a varied picture. Barnston demonstrates a remarkably low crime rate of 0 per 1,000, highlighting a particularly safe environment. Great Easton reports a crime rate of 29.8 per 1,000, while Little Dunmow and Stebbing have rates of 33.3 and 37.5 per 1,000 respectively. These comparisons underscore that while Great Dunmow’s rate is below the UK average, localized variations exist within the Uttlesford district, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after a crime has occurred, but they don't actively prevent it. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your property is another. scOS takes a different approach. Using AI-powered threat detection at the property boundary, scOS identifies potential dangers before they escalate into a break-in. The system’s multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors all cameras, and its DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. Recognising family members, deliveries, and routines, scOS only alerts you to genuine threats, providing peace of mind. The visible presence of scOS technology can act as a significant deterrent – most burglars decide within 60 seconds; scOS makes that decision easy – they move on. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection, like scOS, offers a proactive and robust defence against crime in Great Dunmow.