Essex, a county in the southeast of England known for its mix of coastal towns, commuter belt suburbs, countryside villages, and brash-but-charming personality, has been making headlines lately for a very different reason: crime.
In June 2025, the county went viral online after a video of several police officers chasing a shoplifter was posted on a social media platform.
But how bad is the crime rate in Essex, and how can business owners protect themselves, their properties, and their staff?
Essex’s crime rate stands at 95.5 offences per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the national average of 84 per 1,000 across the UK as of September 2024.
Violent crime is also elevated, with a rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people, approximately 7% higher than the national average of 34.9 per 1,000.
When compared to other regions, Essex’s overall criminal activity rate is lower than areas like London, which reported 132.6 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024/25, and Cleveland, which had 129.3 per 1,000.
However, it remains higher than the national average and significantly above the safest counties, such as Wiltshire, which recorded 53.9 crimes per 1,000 people.
Essex Police recorded 17,968 shoplifting offences in the 12 months ending September 2024, equating to a rate of 12 reports per 1,000 people, which is 47% higher than the national average.
Vehicle crime, which includes theft from or of commercial vehicles, remains a significant issue. Essex reported 11,800 vehicle crime offences in the year ending March 2025, accounting for 7.7% of all criminal acts in the area.
Freight crime is also an area of concern, reflecting a broader national trend, with organised criminal gangs increasingly targeting lorries transporting high-value goods. In 2024, the total loss value of lorry and cargo thefts in the UK reached £102 million, up from £68 million the previous year. Organised gangs targeted high-value goods, including cosmetics and alcohol, with 99% of the 4,632 reported thefts attributed to homegrown criminal networks.
In February 2024, a notable incident occurred in Essex in which five men threatened a lorry driver with a handgun while he was parked in a lay-by, subsequently stealing his cargo. These criminal groups employ various methods, including slashing side curtains, breaking locks, and even using angle grinders to access cargo.
Essex Police have been proactive in addressing this issue. Their Rural Engagement Team, in collaboration with the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT), has conducted operations at ports like Harwich International. In one such operation, they recovered over £100,000 worth of stolen construction equipment and arrested individuals suspected of handling stolen goods.
Businesses in Essex and across the UK face a range of threats, from shoplifting and fraud to cybercrime and freight theft. While the risks vary by sector, there are some common-sense strategies that can significantly reduce vulnerability:
No system is perfect, but the more barriers you put up, the harder it is for anyone to target your business successfully.
From Colchester to Southend, Stage Security delivers reliable, professional services across Essex.
Whether you’re hosting a major event, managing a venue, or protecting your business premises, we have the services you need, backed by nearly two decades of on-the-ground experience.
Our SIA-licensed team is trusted by councils, event organisers, and private clients across the county. We provide manned guarding, mobile patrols, event security, alarm response, and key holding, all coordinated through our 24/7 control room.
Our local knowledge, rapid response, and dedicated account managers ensure you get more than a security guard on-site. You get peace of mind, round the clock.
If you’re based in Essex and looking for a security partner who understands the area and delivers every time, let’s talk. We know how to protect you and your team.