Saffron Walden Crime Rate

Saffron Walden, an urban settlement in Uttlesford, boasts an exceptional safety profile with an overall crime rate of 49.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. The town enjoys a very high safety score of 88/100, which far exceeds the national average of 78, reinforcing its reputation as one of the safest places to live in the region. Recent trends show that crime is increasing, with a 7.1% rise over the past year. Despite this increase, Saffron Walden's property crime rate remains well below the national average, and burglary figures are relatively low. This report provides a detailed look at local crime statistics, property safety, and emerging trends to help residents stay informed.

In Saffron Walden, the crime profile is led by three primary categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and 'other theft'. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion, accounting for 40.5% of all reported crime with 298 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a factor at 11.3% (83 crimes), while 'other theft' represents 9.9% (73 crimes).

Property-related crime in Saffron Walden is relatively low, with an overall rate of 18.6 per 1,000 people. This includes 73 'other thefts', 72 cases of criminal damage and arson, 50 burglaries, 45 shoplifting offences, and 26 vehicle crimes. With a burglary rate of 3.3 per 1,000, homeowners should remain vigilant. The combined volume of property offences—including criminal damage and shoplifting—means that securing homes and personal assets is an essential part of daily life for the community. The data suggests that while Saffron Walden is very safe, maintaining robust security measures is a sensible precaution.

The crime trend in Saffron Walden is currently increasing, with a 7.1% rise in total offences compared to the previous year. A month-by-month look at the data shows that crime rates were lowest in late 2024, with December recording a rate of 3.2. There was a gradual increase through the spring of 2025, with rates peaking in April at 5.3 and remaining high through July at 5.5. Since then, the rate has fluctuated, ending at 4.1 in October 2025. This pattern suggests that the town maintains a very consistent level of crime, with minor seasonal variations and a slight upward trend in recent months. For residents, this increase indicates that extra vigilance is required, although the overall safety of the area remains very high. there are no major signs of significant long-term shifts in the town's safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Saffron Walden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Saffron Walden, representing 40.5% of all reported incidents. While the town is exceptionally safe, staying aware of your personal safety is always recommended for residents and visitors.

• Plan Your Journey: When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.
• Keep Valuables Hidden: Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices when in public to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, move to a busy, well-lit area or enter a public building.
• Share Your Location: Use safety features on your smartphone to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member when travelling alone.
• Secure Your Home: Given the 18.6 property crime rate, ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are inside, and consider an AI-based security system for proactive protection.

Crime in Saffron Walden shows distinct variations throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft, accounting for 50% of incidents during these hours, likely due to commercial activity. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prevalent, making up 46% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the most critical window for property security. Burglary peaks at 29% during these early hours, while vehicle crime accounts for 26% of night-time incidents. Interestingly, burglary is also high in the afternoon (23%), suggesting that both unoccupied daytime homes and night-time targets are at risk. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk windows, such as ensuring vehicles are extra secure overnight and homes are locked during the day.

In the local context of Uttlesford, Saffron Walden is an exceptionally secure town. While it has a higher crime rate than the incredibly quiet nearby areas of Sewards End (0.0), Littlebury (0.0), and Wendens Ambo (0.0), it compares very favourably to other urban settlements in the wider region. It is only slightly more active than the very small settlement of Elder Street (19.4). Saffron Walden's crime rate of 49.2 reflects its status as a significant residential and commercial hub, but it remains one of the safest choices for those looking to live in the region, offering a highly secure environment.

Saffron Walden's property crime rate of 18.6 per 1,000 people indicates that while the area is very safe, property protection should still be a priority, especially given the recent 7.1% increase in overall crime. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they provide footage of an event after it has already occurred. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to prevent crime, not just record it.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording a burglary, scOS identifies potential intruders in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and audio warnings. In Saffron Walden, where burglaries peak at night and also occur frequently in the afternoon, having a system that monitors your home 24/7 with multi-camera intelligence is a significant advantage. scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, providing professional-grade security that stops criminals before they can even attempt a break-in. This preventative approach is the most effective way to ensure your home remains truly secure.