Stebbing Crime Rate

Stebbing is a highly secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 33.4 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 91/100. The area is also seeing a significant improvement in safety, with a 27.5% decrease in reported crime over the past year. The property crime rate in Stebbing is 15.6 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.9. These statistics define Stebbing as one of the safer communities in the Uttlesford district, offering a peaceful environment for its 1,735 residents, although vehicle crime remains a notable local concern.

Crime Breakdown in Stebbing

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Stebbing, accounting for 39.7% of all reports at a rate of 13.3 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by vehicle crime and other theft, which each make up 13.8% of the total (4.6 per 1,000 each). These figures suggest that while Stebbing is a peaceful village, vehicle security and minor theft are the primary property-related concerns for the community.

The combined property crime rate in Stebbing is 15.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes vehicle crime, other theft, burglary (6.9%), and criminal damage (12.1%). For residents, the high percentage of vehicle crime—especially during the night—is a key finding. While the risk of burglary is relatively low compared to other areas, the vulnerability of vehicles and the presence of opportunistic theft mean that homeowners should prioritise driveway and perimeter security to maintain the village's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Stebbing

Stebbing has experienced a significant improvement in its safety profile, with a 27.5% decrease in the overall crime rate over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the rate fluctuated between 0.6 and 5.8 per 1,000 residents throughout 2024 and 2025. The highest peak was recorded in November 2024 (5.8), followed by another notable spike in March 2025 (5.2).

Since those peaks, the crime rate has generally trended downwards, reaching its lowest point in January 2025 (0.6). More recently, the rate has stabilised between 1.7 and 3.5 per 1,000. This downward trend is a very positive indicator for the community, suggesting that Stebbing is becoming an even more secure place to live. Residents should remain vigilant during the late autumn and early spring, as historical data shows these can be more active periods for local crime.

How To Keep Safe in Stebbing

The highest crime type in Stebbing is violence and sexual offences, though property crimes like vehicle theft and other theft are also significant. The following advice can help you stay safe.

1. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a top concern in Stebbing. Always lock your car, use a steering lock, and never leave valuables in sight, even when parked on your own driveway.
2. Improve Driveway Lighting: Motion-activated floodlights are a powerful deterrent for vehicle thieves, who prefer to operate in the dark.
3. Be Vigilant with Deliveries: With 'other theft' being a top three crime, ensure parcels are not left unattended on your doorstep. Use a secure delivery box or a trusted neighbour.
4. Secure Side and Rear Access: Criminal damage is also a factor in Stebbing. Ensure side gates are locked and fences are in good repair to prevent unauthorised access to the rear of your property.
5. Join Local Safety Groups: Stay connected with the Stebbing community through neighbourhood watch schemes to keep informed about any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area.

Crime Timing in Stebbing

Crime in Stebbing follows a clear temporal shift between daytime theft and night-time vehicle offences. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related crimes are dominant, accounting for 51% and 56% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when properties are unattended or during normal business hours.

As night falls, the risk profile changes. During the night-time hours (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the most significant threat, representing 44% of all reported incidents. Burglary also reaches its highest relative percentage during this period (22%). The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 36% of reports. These patterns indicate that while the village is very safe overall, residents should prioritise vehicle security overnight and property theft prevention during the day.

Stebbing is located in a very safe part of Essex. Compared to its larger neighbour Great Dunmow, which has a crime rate of 68.8 per 1,000, Stebbing is much more secure. It also has a lower crime rate than Felsted (41.4). While it is slightly more active than Little Dunmow (27.9) and the virtually crime-free Barnston (0.0), Stebbing remains a very low-risk area. For those looking for a balanced village life with high security standards, Stebbing compares very favourably to most other urban settlements in the region.

In Stebbing, where vehicle crime is the second most common offence and property crime is a persistent factor, traditional security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime while it is happening, but they rarely stop it. By the time you receive a notification on your phone, the damage is often already done.

True protection requires a proactive approach. An AI-powered operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and driveways in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential car thief, only alerting you to genuine threats. Most importantly, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings if an intruder is detected. For Stebbing residents, this proactive stance is the best way to protect vehicles and property, ensuring that the village's downward crime trend continues.