Rural Uttlesford Crime Rate

Rural Uttlesford is an exceptionally secure area, boasting an overall crime rate of 37.9 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 91/100. Furthermore, the area has seen a 5.6% decrease in reported crime year-over-year, indicating that it is becoming even safer. Known for its picturesque villages and low population density, Rural Uttlesford provides a very peaceful environment for its residents. The following sections provide a detailed look at the types of crime occurring, monthly trends, and specific time patterns to help you stay informed about the safety of your local rural community.

In Rural Uttlesford, violence and sexual offences are the primary crime type, making up 37.0% of all reports with 312 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 19.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.4%. These figures are typical for rural settings where personal disputes and minor property damage are more frequently reported than organised crime.

Property crime in this area, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 13.0 per 1,000 people. This total includes 69 burglaries and 41 vehicle crimes. While the overall property crime rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, the 5.6% year-over-year decrease in total crime is a positive trend. Burglary accounts for 8.2% of local crime, and vehicle crime for 4.9%. For homeowners in these rural communities, the relatively low volume of crime shouldn't lead to complacency, as other thefts and criminal damage still represent a notable portion of the local safety landscape. Maintaining basic security measures remains important to preserve the area's high safety score.

Rural Uttlesford has seen a decreasing crime trend, with total offences falling by 5.6% year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 2.9 in November 2024 and dipping to 2.7 in October 2025.

The early part of 2025 saw relatively consistent crime rates, hovering around 2.7 to 3.7. A significant peak occurred in July (3.8), followed by a gradual decrease through the autumn. The year ended with a rate of 2.7 in October 2025. While the overall rates remain very low compared to national averages, the 5.6% decrease is a positive indicator for the area's safety. For residents, this means that the area remains a very safe place to live, with crime levels being well-managed.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Uttlesford

The most common crime in Rural Uttlesford is violence and sexual offences. In a rural context, these often occur in private settings, but residents should still stay alert in public areas. When walking in isolated spots, it is always a good idea to let someone know your route and expected return time.

Given the 19.6% of crimes related to anti-social behaviour, reporting any unusual or disruptive activity to the local police helps maintain the area's peaceful character. For property safety, the 11.4% rate of criminal damage and arson suggests that perimeter security is important. Ensure that gates are locked and that fuel or flammable materials are stored securely. With vehicle crime peaking at night, always park in well-lit areas or secure garages if possible. Additionally, because 30% of burglaries occur in the afternoon, always lock your doors and windows even if you are just out for a short period. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also provide an extra layer of community-led security.

Crime in Rural Uttlesford follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon (6am - 6pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 40% to 42% of all incidents. This suggests that opportunistic theft is more common during daylight hours when residents may be away from home or working.

As night falls, the focus shifts toward property crime. Between 12am and 6am, the percentage of burglaries rises to 32%, and vehicle crime spikes to 30%. This indicates that offenders take advantage of the quiet and darkness of rural nights to target cars and homes. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 44% of reports during this time. For residents, this data highlights the importance of securing vehicles and properties before nightfall, while remaining vigilant against opportunistic theft during the day.

When compared to nearby urban centres, Rural Uttlesford is exceptionally safe. Its crime rate of 37.9 per 1,000 is lower than Saffron Walden (49.2) and significantly lower than Stansted Mountfitchet (73.5). It offers a much more secure environment than the larger towns in the district. This makes the rural areas of Uttlesford a highly desirable location for those seeking a safe, low-crime lifestyle while still being within reach of local town services. For anyone considering the region, Rural Uttlesford represents a gold standard for safety in Essex, maintaining a very low crime volume across its various settlements.

In Rural Uttlesford, the property crime rate is 13.0 per 1,000 people. While this is very low, the rural nature of the area means that properties can be more isolated, making effective home protection important. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has happened, which is of limited use if response times are longer.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive solution. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect potential intruders before they attempt a break-in. This is particularly relevant for the 32% of burglaries and 30% of vehicle crimes that occur in this area during the night. Features like autonomous lighting and speaker responses can deter criminals instantly, destroying the element of surprise they rely on. For rural residents, scOS provides a layer of professional-grade protection that actively prevents crime, ensuring your home remains a safe haven in a secure but isolated landscape.