Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CO4 · Essex
175
crimes in April 2026
Near national average
CB10 · Essex
26
crimes in April 2026
Below national average
Saffron Walden has less crime — 26 vs 175 incidents in April 2026.
Colchester recorded substantially more crime than Saffron Walden in April 2026 — 175 incidents compared to 26, a 6.7x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Colchester sees higher rates of Violence & sexual offences (81) and Shoplifting (16), while Saffron Walden has more Anti-social behaviour (5) and Public order (4). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on April 2026 Police data, Saffron Walden recorded fewer crimes than Colchester — 26 vs 175 incidents. That is 85% fewer crimes. Saffron Walden is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Colchester saw higher rates of Violence & sexual offences and Shoplifting while Saffron Walden had more Anti-social behaviour and Public order. Overall, Saffron Walden recorded fewer total crimes (26 vs 175).