Barking vs Southend-on-Sea — Crime Comparison 2026

Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.

Barking

RM8 · Greater London

550

crimes in April 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences197
  • Anti-social behaviour86
  • Shoplifting58

Southend-on-Sea

SS3 · Southend-on-Sea

157

crimes in April 2026

Near national average

  • Violence & sexual offences69
  • Anti-social behaviour18
  • Shoplifting16

Southend-on-Sea has less crime — 157 vs 550 incidents in April 2026.

What the data shows

Barking recorded substantially more crime than Southend-on-Sea in April 2026 — 550 incidents compared to 157, a 3.5x difference. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Barking records significantly more (197 vs 69 incidents). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.

Get a detailed crime report

Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.

Get the full Barking report — £4.99 Get the full Southend-on-Sea report — £4.99
View Barking area page → View Southend-on-Sea area page →

Frequently asked questions

Is Barking or Southend-on-Sea safer?

Based on April 2026 Police data, Southend-on-Sea recorded fewer crimes than Barking — 157 vs 550 incidents. That is 71% fewer crimes. Barking is above the national average.

What are the main differences in crime between Barking and Southend-on-Sea?

Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their top crime category. In April 2026, Barking recorded 197 incidents of this type vs 69 in Southend-on-Sea. Overall, Southend-on-Sea had fewer total crimes (157 vs 550).

Compare other areas

Romford vs Southend-on-SeaBarking vs Southend-on-SeaBarking vs Southend-on-SeaBarking vs Southend-on-SeaBarking vs RochfordBarking vs Southend-on-Sea