Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
SS13 · Essex
268
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
SS3 · Southend-on-Sea
104
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Southend-on-Sea has less crime — 104 vs 268 incidents in February 2026.
Basildon recorded substantially more crime than Southend-on-Sea in February 2026 — 268 incidents compared to 104, a 2.6x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Basildon sees higher rates of Shoplifting (27) and Criminal damage & arson (26), while Southend-on-Sea has more Burglary (11) and Other theft (11). Basildon sits above the national average for recorded crime while Southend-on-Sea is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Southend-on-Sea recorded fewer crimes than Basildon — 104 vs 268 incidents. That is 61% fewer crimes. Southend-on-Sea is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Basildon saw higher rates of Shoplifting and Criminal damage & arson while Southend-on-Sea had more Burglary and Other theft. Overall, Southend-on-Sea recorded fewer total crimes (104 vs 268).