Uttlesford has been revealed as the safest place to live in Essex, with just 1.62 burglaries reported per 1,000 people last year.

Research by Confused.com analysed burglary data provided by police forces across the UK between 2017 and 2021.

Uttlesford has had an average 18.3 per cent drop in burglary rates each year since 2017 - the third highest drop of all Essex areas analysed.

On average, Uttlesford saw 48 per cent fewer burglaries than Harlow (3.16 per 1,000 people) and 56 per cent fewer than Southend-on-Sea (3.76).

Maldon was named the second safest place in Essex, with Castle Point coming in third.

The most dangerous place was Southend-on-Sea, with the highest burglary rate and the second-lowest drop in thefts.

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Jessica Willcock, home insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "Although burglary rates seem to be dropping year on year, it’s still as important to make sure your home is safe. 

"Security cameras and burglary alarms aren’t only a great deterrent from potential thieves but having them could reduce your home insurance prices.

"Nowadays, technology has advanced to give us cheap, easy to install smart home devices such as doorbells and automated lights. These let you know who’s outside without you needing to go near the door."