As locksmiths based in Essex, we feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community. This county has much to love, from the Essex countryside’s historical landmarks and natural beauty to the bustling towns and cities. As locals, we have a deep appreciation for the unique character and charm of Essex. This passion for the area drives us to provide our customers with the highest quality locksmith services.

Whether you need assistance with a lockout situation, lock repair or installation, or other security needs, we are proud to serve the people of Essex and help keep their homes and businesses safe and secure. Essex is a county in the southeast of England, bordered by Suffolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the northwest, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the south, and London to the southwest. It has a rich history, a diverse population, and a range of attractions that make it a great place to visit or live. As a locksmith, we play an essential role in ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Essex, and your local knowledge will be invaluable in creating this guide.

Essex’s History

Essex has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. The county was initially inhabited by the Trinovantes, a Celtic tribe conquered by the Romans in 43 AD. During the Middle Ages, Essex was a wool production and trade centre, and the county played a significant role in the English Civil War. In the 19th century, Essex became an important centre of industry, particularly in textiles and engineering.

Essex’s Population

Essex has a population of approximately 1.8 million, making it one of the most populous counties in England, with a diverse mix of residents from different backgrounds and cultures. The largest town in Essex is Basildon, with a population of around 107,000, followed by Chelmsford, which has a population of approximately 111,000. Other major towns in Essex include Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Harlow. The county also has many rural and semi-rural areas, contributing to its character and appeal.

A Breakdown of the Towns in Essex

Essex is home to many towns, each with unique characters and attractions. Here is a breakdown of some of the most notable towns in Essex:

  • Chelmsford: The county town of Essex, Chelmsford, is known for its cathedral, shopping centre, and historic architecture.
  • Colchester: The oldest recorded town in England, it is steeped in history and is home to several museums and landmarks, including Colchester Castle.
  • Basildon: One of the largest towns in Essex, Basildon is known for its shopping centre, cinema, and leisure park.
  • Harlow: A new town built after World War II, Harlow is known for its public sculpture collection and modern architecture.
  • Southend-on-Sea: A popular seaside resort, Southend-on-Sea is known for its pier, beach, and amusement park.

Essex’s Landmarks

Essex is home to several landmarks that are worth a visit, including:

Public Transport in Essex

Essex is well-connected to the rest of the UK by road, rail, and air. Some of the main transport links in Essex include:

  • Train: Many train stations throughout Essex connect to London, Cambridge, and other major cities. The leading train operators in Essex are Greater Anglia and C2C.
  • Bus: Essex is served by several bus companies, including First Essex, Arriva, and Go-Ahead. There are also a number of coach operators that provide long-distance travel.
  • Road: Essex is well-connected to the UK’s motorway network, with the M11, M25, and A12 all passing through the county. Many major roads provide access to the coast.

Essex’s Local Attractions

Essex has a range of attractions that appeal to all ages and interests. Some of the most popular attractions in Essex include:

Schools in Essex

Essex has diverse primary, secondary, and tertiary education options, including state-funded schools, academies, independent schools, and colleges. Overall, the standard of education in Essex is good, with many schools achieving high levels of academic success and offering a wide range of extracurricular activities.

At the primary school level, many good options are available for parents, with many outstanding-rated schools across the county. These include St. Helen’s Catholic Junior School in Brentwood, St. Mary’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Maldon, and Frinton-on-Sea Primary School in Tendring.

At the secondary school level, there are many highly regarded schools in Essex, including Colchester County High School for Girls, King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford, and Westcliff High School for Girls in Southend-on-Sea. Many of these schools have excellent academic records. In addition, they offer various extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama.

In addition to traditional schools, Essex has further education options, including sixth-form colleges, vocational colleges, and adult education centres. These offer a range of courses and qualifications, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships.

Essex County Council is responsible for maintaining and supporting schools in the county, with various resources and support available to teachers, students, and parents. Parents can apply for places at schools through the council’s online application process. The council also provides support for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Overall, the education system in Essex is well-developed and offers a range of high-quality options for students of all ages and abilities.

Essex’s Hospitals

Essex has a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities serving its population. These include both NHS-run hospitals and private hospitals.
Some of the major hospitals in Essex include:

  • Basildon University Hospital – located in Basildon, is a large general hospital with a wide range of services, including accident and emergency, maternity, cancer care, and surgery.
  • Broomfield Hospital – located in Chelmsford, is a large teaching hospital with a range of specialist services, including cardiology, neurology, and stroke care.
  • Southend University Hospital – located in Southend-on-Sea, is a large general hospital with various services, including accident and emergency, maternity, and surgery.
  • Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust – located in Colchester, it is a large general hospital with a range of services, including accident and emergency, maternity, and cancer care.

In addition to these major hospitals, some smaller community hospitals and health centres throughout the county provide various services, including outpatient care, rehabilitation, and mental health services. The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare services in the UK, including in Essex. This means that most hospitals in Essex are run by the NHS, although private hospitals are available for those who wish to use them. Overall, the healthcare system in Essex is well-regarded, with high standards of care and a range of specialist services available to meet the population’s needs.

House Prices In Essex

House prices in Essex vary depending on the location, size, and property type. Overall, house prices in Essex tend to be higher than the UK average due to the county’s proximity to London and its popularity as a commuter destination. As of February 2022, the average house price in Essex was £385,302, according to data from the UK Land Registry. This represents an increase of 8.7% from the previous year.

The most expensive areas to buy property in Essex are those closer to London, such as Chelmsford, Brentwood, and Epping Forest. In these areas, the average house price is above £500,000. In more rural areas, such as the north of Essex, house prices tend to be lower, with some areas having an average house price below £300,000.
It’s important to note that these are just averages, and individual property prices can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the property and the local housing market.

Crime Rates In Essex

The crime rates in Essex vary depending on the area and type of crime. However, overall, Essex has a lower crime rate than the national average in England and Wales. According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2021, the total number of crimes in Essex was 102,619, a decrease of 6.8% compared to the previous year. The overall crime rate in Essex was 5,778 crimes per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 6,307 crimes per 100,000.

In terms of specific crimes, the most commonly reported offences in Essex are:

  • Burglaries
  • Violence and sexual offences
  • Criminal damage and arson
  • Theft and handling stolen goods
  • Public order offences

Regarding areas with the highest crime rates, the most reported crimes are in urban areas such as Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, and Harlow. However, these areas also have a higher population density than more rural areas, which can contribute to higher crime rates.
Essex Police is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, with several local police stations located throughout the area. In addition to traditional policing methods, Essex Police works closely with local communities to promote community safety, prevent crime, and address local concerns. There are also a number of Neighborhood Watch schemes in place throughout Essex, which aim to help residents work together to reduce crime and increase community safety.

Burglaries in Essex

Burglary is one of Essex’s most common property crimes, with residential burglaries being a particular concern for many residents. However, according to the latest available data from the UK Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2021, there were 14,726 reported burglaries in Essex, which represents a decrease of 16.8% compared to the previous year.

Despite this decrease, burglary remains a severe issue in some county areas. For example, Basildon, Chelmsford, and Harlow are among the areas with the highest burglary rates in Essex. However, it’s worth noting that many other places in Essex have relatively low burglary rates.

To help combat burglaries, Essex Police have implemented many strategies and initiatives, including:

  • Targeting known offenders and carrying out raids on properties suspected of being involved in burglary or other criminal activities
  • Conducting proactive patrols in areas with high burglary rates
  • Encouraging residents to take steps to secure their homes, such as installing burglar alarms, CCTV, and sturdy locks
  • Working with local businesses to improve security measures, such as by increasing lighting and securing entrances and exits
  • Encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or behaviour in their neighbourhood

It’s worth noting that burglaries can happen in any area, regardless of the crime rate. Hence, residents must take appropriate precautions to secure their homes and property. This can include ensuring doors and windows are locked when leaving the house, installing motion-activated lighting, and not leaving valuable items in plain sight.

Need an Essex Locksmith?

As a locksmith in Essex, we are proud to be a part of this vibrant and dynamic community. Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable locksmith services that they can trust. We understand that security is a top priority for homeowners and businesses. Therefore, we offer many services, including emergency lockout assistance, lock repair and installation, key cutting, and more.
We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of Essex’s many attractions and amenities.

If you find yourself in need of locksmith services in Essex, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at A&E Locksmiths. Our team of experienced professionals is available 24/7 to provide you with the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your security needs.