In January 2026, violence and sexual offences were the most common crimes reported to police in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, although the total number of offences decreased from the previous month. Figures released by Essex Police show there were 313 reports of violence and sexual offences in the central part of the city. These reports made up a large portion of the 678 total crimes recorded in the area during the month.
The overall crime count for January 2026 was lower than the 823 offences seen in December 2025. Other common problems reported by residents included 71 cases of anti-social behaviour, 61 reports of shoplifting, and 43 incidents of criminal damage or arson. Local officers are sharing this data to help the community stay informed about local crime trends and safety.
Police solving rates have also shown an improvement in Southend, with 366 more crimes solved in January 2026 than in the same month in 2025. While violence and sexual offences continue to be a priority for officers, they currently make up about 41 per cent of all crimes reported across the whole of Essex. Authorities are focusing on specific campaigns to tackle these issues and improve detection rates.
In a separate case in February 2026, police successfully broke up a drugs gang operating in the city. Four members of an organised crime group were jailed after an investigation found multiple cannabis grows with a total value of up to £255,000. Officers say this work is part of a wider effort to remove serious crime from local streets and protect residents.
