When choosing where to settle, whether it’s for setting up a new home, beginning a venture, or planning for retirement, the decision is significantly influenced by the safety of the area. Many people remain in familiar surroundings, but an increasing number choose to relocate, which brings up important considerations.
Safety is a paramount concern when selecting a location to live, work, or raise a family. Factors such as crime rates and the general sense of security are critical when determining the suitability of an area. At ZAM FM Ltd, we pride ourselves on providing accurate and transparent crime statistics throughout the UK, helping to inform your decisions.
Our latest insights focus on the East of England, identifying the regions that pose the greatest challenges in terms of safety. This article will outline the primary concerns in these areas, the reasons they are less favored, and strategies to help ensure your safety, no matter where you reside.
How Dangerous Is Eastern England?
Eastern England, encompassing well-known counties like Essex and Norfolk, presents a contrasting tapestry of breathtaking landscapes and bustling urban development. This region not only hosts historical and cultural pillars such as Cambridge University but also vibrant urban centers like Luton and Norwich, known for their rapid growth and dynamic lifestyles.
Despite its many attractions, Eastern England also contends with its share of safety concerns. The area reports an overall crime rate of 72.8 incidents per 1000 residents, which, while lower than most UK regions except for the South West, still reflects significant criminal activity. Notably, this rate has decreased by 4% from the previous year, suggesting some progress in regional law enforcement efforts.
However, the area still experiences high levels of violent crime, with 180,863 reported incidents, along with substantial numbers of thefts and cases of criminal damage. Particularly alarming is the sharp increase in shoplifting incidents, which have surged by 26% from the previous year. These statistics underscore ongoing safety challenges within the region.
Despite these figures, the impact of crime varies widely across different parts of Eastern England, with each area presenting unique challenges and conditions. This variance necessitates a nuanced understanding of each locale to better inform residents and potential newcomers about their safety choices in this diverse and complex region.
Read Also: crime in north west england
The 15 Most Dangerous Areas in Eastern England
In this detailed overview, we highlight the 15 areas in Eastern England known for higher crime rates, which may give pause to those considering relocation or investment in these regions.
15. Wymondham
Overall Crime Rate: 104.7 per 1000 People
Wymondham, a leafy suburb in Norfolk known for its commuter appeal due to its proximity to major cities, harbors a less appealing side with a crime rate of 104.7 incidents per 1000 residents. The majority of the crime here involves violent incidents and antisocial behavior, which together make up over half of the town’s criminal activities, reflecting a significant rise in recent times.
14. Cambridge
Overall Crime Rate: 106.4 per 1000 People
Despite its prestigious university and affluent image, Cambridge reports a concerning crime statistic of 106.4 per 1000 people. Violent crime dominates the scene, while bicycle thefts and shoplifting rates surge past regional averages, marking Cambridge as a hotspot for specific criminal activities despite its elite status.
13. Wisbech
Overall Crime Rate: 107.2 per 1000 People
Situated on the edge of the Cambridgeshire fens, Wisbech, with its rich history dating back to the 7th century, faces modern challenges with a crime rate of 107.2 per 1000 residents. This rate includes significant incidences of violent crime, antisocial behavior, theft, and notably high levels of drug-related offenses for its size.
12. Thetford
Overall Crime Rate: 109.7 per 1000 People
Thetford presents a contrast between its natural forested areas and the urban east. Nonetheless, the town’s crime rate of 109.7 per 1000 residents overshadows its natural beauty. Violent crime constitutes the largest portion of offenses, accompanied by antisocial behavior and other criminal damages, highlighting substantial local security concerns.
11. Southend-on-Sea
Overall Crime Rate: 110.9 per 1000 People
Southend-on-Sea, renowned for its seaside appeal and cultural vibrancy, contrasts sharply with a high crime rate of 110.9 per 1000 residents. Violent crimes dominate, with significant contributions from public order offenses and antisocial behavior, compounded by a robbery rate that doubles the regional average.
10. Sudbury
Overall Crime Rate: 114.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Sudbury, a quaint market town on the borders of Suffolk, is surprisingly one of the more dangerous areas, given its small scale. Despite its charming appearance, the town grapples with a crime rate of 114.1 per 1000 people. Predominantly, violent crime is the most frequent, making up over a third of the total crime figures here. The area also sees significant issues with antisocial behavior, shoplifting, and criminal damage, with all categories showing an increase from the previous year.
9. Waltham Abbey
Overall Crime Rate: 117.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located in Essex, Waltham Abbey is steeped in history, yet it battles high crime rates, currently standing at 117.2 crimes per 1000 people. The town’s crime concerns are dominated by violent crime, which constitutes one-third of all criminal activity. Additional worries include vehicle crimes and antisocial behavior, which are exceptionally high in this area.
8. King’s Lynn
Overall Crime Rate: 123.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
King’s Lynn, a key Norfolk port and fishing hub, has seen its crime rate soar to 123.1 crimes per 1000 people due to its increasing popularity. The town is actively tackling high rates of violent crime and antisocial behavior, which far exceed local averages. Shoplifting incidents, in particular, have been a notable problem, tripling the county’s average rate.
7. Huntingdon
Overall Crime Rate: 126.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Huntingdon, known for its rich Roman and Civil War history, now thrives as a cultural hub in Cambridgeshire but struggles with a crime rate 57% above the national average at 126.6 crimes per 1000 people. The area is particularly affected by violent crime, antisocial behavior, public order offenses, and a rate of drug crimes more than double the regional average.
6. Great Yarmouth
Overall Crime Rate: 129.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Famous for its coastal allure and historical seaside resorts, Great Yarmouth’s charm is marred by a high crime rate of 129.2 per 1000 people. The main issues include a notable prevalence of violent crimes and antisocial behavior, each more than doubling the Norfolk average. Concerns also rise with the increasing rates of weapon possession crimes.
5. Harwich
Overall Crime Rate: 130.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Harwich, a coastal town celebrated for its maritime history and annual Sea Shanty festival, ranks fifth on this list with a crime rate of 130.6 per 1000 people. The area struggles with violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage, with each category significantly exceeding regional averages. April 2023 marked some of the highest crime rates recently seen in Harwich.
4. Borehamwood
Overall Crime Rate: 131.9 Crimes per 1000 People
Despite its vibrant connection to the British film industry and being a favored spot for commuters traveling to London, Borehamwood faces significant safety challenges. A concerning crime rate of 131.9 per 1000 people suggests a rising trend in criminal activity. Antisocial behavior and violent crime are predominant, accounting for nearly half of the crime statistics in the Borehamwood and Elstree areas. Increases in shoplifting and vehicle crimes in early 2024 also point to potential difficulties in the coming months.
3. Harlow
Overall Crime Rate: 134.1 Crimes per 1000 People
Harlow is a town that merges natural beauty with modern infrastructure and is known for its significant public sculpture collections. Yet, it grapples with a high crime rate of 134.1 per 1000 residents. Violent crime, which is significantly higher than the county’s average, comprises a substantial portion of the total criminal activities here. Other rising concerns include vehicle crimes, public order offenses, and antisocial behavior, making Harlow a challenging environment for its residents.
2. Clacton-on-Sea
Overall Crime Rate: 141.9 Crimes per 1000 People
Clacton-on-Sea, a beloved coastal town known for its scenic North Sea views and shale beaches, is facing a crime rate of 141.9 per 1000 people. The area has seen a rise in violent crimes and antisocial behavior, with drug-related crimes notably 60% above the Essex average. These issues highlight the need for significant improvements in safety to restore its appeal as a top destination in Eastern England.
1. Maldon
Overall Crime Rate: 144.7 Crimes per 1000 People
Maldon, famed for its exquisite sea salt and as a tourist hotspot, tops the list with a worrying crime rate of 144.7 per 1000 residents. The small seaside town experiences a high incidence of violent crimes, which make up a large portion of the total criminal activities. Issues like theft, criminal damage, and public order offenses also contribute to the area’s challenges.
Source and Methodology of Data
To ensure clarity and transparency in our findings, we utilized the latest crime figures available from the Police UK website from February 2023 to January 2024. These statistics, combined with the most recent Census data from the ONS, allow us to present crime rates per 1000 people, adjusting for population and area size to provide a clear view of each area’s safety.