Braintree Crime Rate

Braintree recorded an overall crime rate of 61.0 per 1,000 people between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a strong safety score of 85/100 for the local authority. The district is also benefiting from a positive trend, with a -6.3% year-over-year decrease in criminal activity. As a largely residential and rural district in Essex, Braintree maintains a reputation as a secure and desirable place to live. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime reported and their trends, helping residents stay informed and safe within their communities.

About Braintree

Braintree is a diverse local authority district in Essex, combining historic market towns like Braintree and Witham with extensive rural landscapes. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its mix of residential commuter hubs and more isolated agricultural communities. Major employers in retail and manufacturing, along with its position as a transport corridor for the A12 and A120, contribute to its daily activity levels. The district's population is relatively stable, but the busy town centres and transport links can attract transient populations, which often influences rates of anti-social behaviour and theft. Economic factors, including its popularity as a residential area for London commuters, mean that property values are significant, making residential security a key consideration for many homeowners. These diverse characteristics create a safety profile that is generally more secure than many urban Essex districts, but still requires standard vigilance in its more populated hubs.

Crime Breakdown in Braintree

The most significant crime types in the Braintree district are violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.6% of all reports (4,570 incidents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common concern at 8.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.6%. These three categories represent over 60% of all police activity in the area.

Property-related crime in Braintree is relatively low compared to the UK average, with a combined rate of 18.9 per 1,000 people. This total includes 336 burglaries, 472 vehicle crimes, and 650 shoplifting reports. 'Other theft' also features prominently, making up 7.4% of total crime. For residents, the burglary rate of 2.0 per 1,000 is well below the national average, suggesting a lower risk of forced entry. However, the prevalence of vehicle crime and theft indicates that opportunistic property offences are a persistent factor, particularly in the district's busier town centres and transport hubs.

Crime Trends in Braintree

The crime trend in Braintree is currently positive, with a -6.3% year-over-year decrease. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a fairly stable pattern of activity. The year began with a rate of 5.2 in December 2024, fluctuating slightly between 4.4 and 5.5 throughout the 12-month period.

Activity was highest during the spring and summer months, with rates of 5.5 recorded in April, May, and July 2025. However, the year ended on a downward note, with the rate falling to its lowest point of 4.4 in November 2025. This suggests that the overall decrease is being maintained by a quieter end to the year. For residents, these statistics provide reassurance that Braintree is a stable and increasingly safe district, with criminal activity generally remaining well below both regional and national averages.

Braintree sits in a regional context where it is a safe and stable district. While some of its immediate neighbours like Uttlesford, Colchester, Maldon, Chelmsford, and Babergh reported 0.0 rates in this specific data period, Braintree's own rate of 61.0 is still well below the national average. This positions Braintree as a secure choice for those looking for a residential area with a strong safety profile in Essex. The district's consistent safety score and declining crime rate make it a standout location for regional security, offering a peaceful environment compared to many more urbanised parts of the county.

Proactive Property Defense in Braintree

With a property crime rate of 18.9 per 1,000 people, residents of Braintree face a tangible risk of burglary, vehicle crime, and theft. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarm kits, are reactive; they provide evidence of a crime after it has already occurred. In a district like Braintree, where property values are high and many residents commute, the goal should be prevention rather than just recording.

The scOS AI-powered home security system shifts this dynamic by offering proactive protection. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your front door. The system uses multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as engaging integrated speakers or activating deterrent lighting—to disrupt a criminal's intent. In the 60 seconds it takes for a burglar to decide on a target, the visible presence of a professional-grade, proactive system often encourages them to move on. For Braintree residents, investing in an autonomous system that understands daily routines and only alerts on genuine threats provides a level of security that traditional recording devices simply cannot match.

How To Keep Safe in Braintree

The most common crime type in Braintree is violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, personal safety remains a key focus for the community.

To stay safe, particularly in the district's town centres after dark, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in isolated spots. When using public transport or taxis, ensure you use registered services and let someone know your expected arrival time. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid displaying high-value items in crowded public spaces.

Given the rate of anti-social behaviour, reporting any concerning activity to the local authorities can help police allocate resources effectively. For homeowners, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary suggests that basic habits like double-checking car locks and ensuring home security systems are active every night remain essential practices. A proactive security system that detects movement at the property boundary can provide an extra layer of defense, ensuring that any rare threats are identified and deterred early, helping to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the Braintree community.