The Safest and Least Safe Places to Live in Essex   

Uttlesford – In a study mentioned in Daily Gazette Standard, Uttlesford was ranked as the safest area to live in Essex. In 2021, Uttlesford had only 1.62 reported burglaries per 1,000 people, the lowest value in the county. With a perfect balance between its rural environment and historical heritage, Uttlesford is often mentioned for its very high quality of life. Both the average weekly earnings and the employment rate rank well above the national average and life expectancy is estimated at 81.8 years. However, buying a house in Uttlesford is not particularly cheap compared to other rural areas.

Maldon – According to the same study, the second safest place to live in Essex is Maldon. This area only had 1.67 burglaries per 1,000 people, making it safer than nearby Colchester. Theft rates have also been dropping steadily since 2017. Maldon is an area with a lot of historical charm, and it offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The town is also home to two nature reserves. It currently has a life expectancy of 82 years.

Southend – Numerous data indicate that Southend is the area with the most reported crimes in Essex, with violent crimes, muggings, and antisocial behaviors on top of the list. It’s probably the last place you should consider in the county if safety is a top priority for you. Southend has various deprivation hotspots, but other areas are still quite enjoyable. Life expectancy is currently estimated to be 81 years.

Harlow – Based on recent data, Harlow is the second most dangerous major town in Essex and the 21st most dangerous one in the UK. With 124 crimes per 1,000 people, its crime rate is 49% higher than the average of Essex. Violence and sexual offenses are the most reported types of crimes in Harlow. Life expectancy in this area is currently 81 years.

Chelmsford – In the study we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Chelmsford was ranked as the third least place to live in Essex, although its rates are better than the previously mentioned areas. However, at 83, it has one of the highest life expectancies in the county.

Reinforced doors – Installing stronger doors is one of the most basic tactics for burglary prevention. Burglars are known to target ground-level doors, as they can be quite easy to break into. You should consider using a door with multiple layers and reinforced hinges. You should also consider using an electronic lock for added security.

Effective access control measures – The importance of access control should also not be underestimated. Access control solutions can ensure that only authorized personnel can access your property. Traditional locks and keys may not be enough when you live in areas where the crime rate is higher. You should consider using a multi-factor authentication procedure that involves using two or more credentials to open a door. For example, users can be required to enter a PIN before swiping a card.

Outdoor lighting – A well-lit property tends to deter burglars more effectively. Make sure that the lights are distributed evenly and placed in such a way that it makes it difficult for burglars to hide.

Video security – Installing video cameras can serve a double purpose: deter burglars and other malicious individuals from entering the building and collect evidence of a crime when it happens. Cameras should be placed strategically in the property’s indoor and outdoor areas.

Essex is a diverse county, and while some areas are not among the safest ones to live in, there are also plenty of places, like Uttlesford and Maldon, where crime rates are quite low and where the risk of becoming a victim of burglaries, violent attacks, and sexual offenses is particularly low.