The question of whether it’s safe to walk alone in Braintree at night is a common one, and thankfully, data suggests it's generally a reasonably safe area. Braintree, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 164,304, has a crime rate of 60.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000.
This lower crime rate, combined with a safety score of 85 out of 100 – significantly above the UK average of 79 – indicates a relatively secure environment. A higher safety score suggests a greater perception of safety amongst residents and visitors. It's important to remember that crime rates represent reported incidents and don’t necessarily reflect the severity of each crime.
While Braintree’s statistics are encouraging, personal safety always depends on individual circumstances and awareness. Walking alone at night inherently carries some degree of risk regardless of location. Factors such as the specific route taken, time of night, and visibility all play a role. Well-lit, populated areas are generally safer than dark, isolated streets.
Although the crime rate is lower than the national average, it's still advisable to take basic safety precautions. These include staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and sticking to well-lit and populated routes whenever possible. Informing someone of your route and expected arrival time is also a prudent measure. The data presented reflects incidents reported during the period assessed; however, personal experiences may vary.