Braintree Crime Rate

About Braintree Crime Statistics

Braintree, a district in Essex, records an overall crime rate of 62.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions Braintree as a relatively safe area when compared to the national average, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. The district's safety is further underscored by its safety score of 84 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 78. Encouragingly, recent data indicates a positive trend, with crime rates in Braintree decreasing by 5.4% year-over-year. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and comparisons within the Braintree area.

Factors Influencing Crime Statistics in Braintree

Braintree's crime statistics are shaped by a combination of its area characteristics, activities, and population factors. As a district in Essex, Braintree encompasses a diverse landscape, from the more urbanised town centre of Braintree itself to numerous surrounding suburban and rural communities. This mix often contributes to varying crime patterns; urban centres may experience higher rates of certain crimes like shoplifting or public order offences due to greater foot traffic and commercial activity, while rural areas might see different types of property crime.

The district's activities, including local businesses, transport hubs, and community events, also play a role. Major roads like the A120 and A131 connect Braintree to wider regions, which can influence transient populations and potentially impact crime. While Braintree does not have a large-scale nightlife industry compared to major cities, local amenities and social gatherings contribute to the overall environment. With a population of over 164,000 residents, the population density and stability within different parts of the district can also influence crime rates. Generally, areas with a stable, engaged community often exhibit lower crime rates. The comparatively lower overall crime rate and higher safety score in Braintree, especially against the UK average, suggest that its blend of characteristics fosters a relatively secure environment for its residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Braintree

An in-depth look at Braintree's crime statistics reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 4,557 incidents or 44.7% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 27.7 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue with 887 crimes, representing 8.7% of the total, at 5.4 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most frequent, with 777 incidents, making up 7.6% of crimes at a rate of 4.7 per 1,000.

Considering property-related crime specifically, Braintree experiences a rate of 19.6 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses various offences including burglary (331 crimes), other theft (771 crimes), vehicle crime (514 crimes), criminal damage and arson (777 crimes), theft from the person (53 crimes), robbery (38 crimes), and bicycle theft (37 crimes). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a comparatively lower risk of property crime in Braintree. However, understanding the specific types of property crime can help individuals take targeted preventative measures to protect their homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in Braintree

Braintree has experienced a positive shift in its crime landscape, with an overall decrease of 5.4% in crime year-over-year. This downward trend signifies an improving safety profile for the district. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations, yet the underlying pattern points towards a reduction. For instance, after recording 5.4 crimes per 1,000 in October 2024, the rate saw a dip to 4.5 in February 2025, marking one of the lowest points in the observed period. While there were slight increases in April, May, and July of 2025, reaching 5.5 crimes per 1,000, the rate concluded at 4.8 in September 2025, reinforcing the overall decreasing trajectory. This consistent reduction in crime rates suggests that Braintree is becoming a safer place, offering reassurance to its residents and potentially attracting new ones.

Braintree in Regional Context: Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Braintree's crime statistics offer a favourable comparison to its neighbouring areas. With an overall crime rate of 62.0 per 1,000 people and a strong safety score of 84/100, Braintree generally demonstrates a more secure environment than many parts of the UK. While specific crime data for Uttlesford, Colchester, Maldon, Chelmsford, Babergh, and Brentwood are not detailed here, Braintree's performance against the national average (93.4 crimes per 1,000 and a safety score of 78/100) suggests it holds a commendable position within the region. Residents and those considering moving to the area can view Braintree as a comparatively safer choice, offering a degree of peace of mind when contrasted with other local authority districts.

Enhancing Home Security in Braintree

Given Braintree's property crime rate of 19.6 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average, residents still benefit significantly from robust home security measures. It is important to shift focus from merely recording crime to actively preventing it. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, rather than stopping the incident. If you are seeking real protection, a proactive approach is essential.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advancement. Unlike reactive systems, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, preventing intruders before they even gain entry. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, watching all cameras simultaneously without missing a beat. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning allows the system to recognise your family and routines, alerting you only to genuine threats. This autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders.

Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds of approaching a property. Visible and professional-grade deterrence, as offered by scOS, can make that decision easy for them – they move on. While DIY systems have their place, professional security provides a distinct level of protection, intervening in real-time to prevent crime rather than just notifying you after the fact. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another entirely.