Black Notley Crime Rate

Black Notley's crime rate of 38.4 per 1,000 residents places it 57.8% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in Braintree. Despite this, public order crime has surged by 250% YoY, highlighting a stark contrast to the area's otherwise low rates. The presence of possession of weapons at 23% above the UK average adds a unique dimension to its crime profile, warranting closer examination.

Black Notley is a built-up area within Braintree, characterised by a mix of residential and small-scale commercial properties. Its proximity to Braintree and limited industrial activity likely contribute to a lower crime rate compared to larger urban centres. The area's moderate population density and strong community networks may further reduce opportunities for certain crimes, though seasonal variations and local events could influence patterns.

The most surprising finding is that possession of weapons is 23% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000), despite Black Notley's overall safety. This may reflect isolated incidents or niche factors, such as proximity to transport routes or transient populations. Other theft (7.4 per 1,000, 23% above UK average) is likely tied to the area's retail and commuter activity, with vehicles and personal items being targeted. Public order crime, though still below the UK average, has surged by 250% YoY, possibly linked to increased social gatherings or unseasonal weather patterns. Anti-social behaviour remains low (3.3 per 1,000, 77% below UK average), which may stem from the area's tight-knit community and limited nightlife.

Crime in Black Notley has increased by 10.6% YoY, with public order crime surging by 250% and burglary rising by 75%. This sharp increase in public order may be linked to unseasonal weather patterns or increased social events. Despite these trends, Black Notley's overall crime rate remains 57.8% below the UK average. The stability in violence and sexual offences (2.4% YoY) and the 52.4% reduction in property crime compared to the UK average highlight the area's resilience to broader national trends.

How To Keep Safe in Black Notley

Residents should secure vehicles and valuables during the afternoon and evening, when theft and burglary rates are highest. For the 23% above-average rate of possession of weapons, consider installing visible deterrents such as motion-activated lights. Anti-social behaviour, though low, is rising—community engagement and reporting suspicious activity can help maintain safety. Given the 250% YoY increase in public order crime, avoiding isolated areas at night and staying aware of local events is advisable.

Crime in Black Notley shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with retail activity and commuter movements. Burglary rises sharply in the evening (6pm–12am), likely due to reduced household presence and increased opportunities for opportunistic offenders. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), possibly reflecting unsecured parking in residential zones. These patterns suggest that theft and burglary are more prevalent during times of lower surveillance, while public order issues tend to concentrate in later hours, possibly linked to local events or social interactions.

Compared to nearby areas, Black Notley's crime rate is lower. Tye Green (Braintree) has a 166% higher rate (102.3 per 1,000), likely due to its larger population and higher economic disparity. Great Notley, the closest comparator, has an 11% higher rate (42.6 per 1,000), while Braintree itself is 101% higher (77.3 per 1,000). These differences may stem from variations in local governance, population density, and socioeconomic factors.

For Black Notley residents, addressing the 23% above-average rate of possession of weapons requires proactive security measures, scOS offers AI-powered boundary monitoring that detects threats before they reach property perimeters, reducing opportunities for weapon-related incidents. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification helps flag suspicious vehicles, particularly relevant given the 52% below-average vehicle crime rate. The system's ability to distinguish between household members and intruders minimises false alarms, ensuring that security measures remain effective without overburdening residents.