Halstead (Braintree) Crime Rate

Halstead (Braintree) recorded an overall crime rate of 67.6 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 83/100. While the area has seen a 12.3% year-over-year increase in criminal activity, this rise is from a low baseline, and the area remains one of the more secure parts of the Essex region. As a key built-up area within the Braintree local authority, Halstead maintains a reputation as a secure and desirable place to live. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types and timing to help residents stay informed and safe within their community.

Crime Breakdown in Halstead (Braintree)

In the built-up area of Halstead, the most frequent reports are for violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.7% of all crime (422 incidents). Shoplifting is the second most common concern at 12.9%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 8.5%. These three categories represent over 60% of all police activity in the settlement.

Property-related crime in Halstead is relatively low, with a combined rate of 25.0 per 1,000 people. This total includes 42 burglaries, 58 vehicle crimes, and 130 shoplifting reports. Shoplifting accounts for a significant 12.9% of total crime, while 'other theft' makes up 5.8%. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents is well below the national average, suggesting a lower risk of forced entry. However, the prevalence of shoplifting and vehicle crime indicates that opportunistic property offences are a persistent factor in the area's busier commercial and residential streets.

Crime Trends in Halstead (Braintree)

Halstead (Braintree) has seen a 12.3% year-over-year increase in crime, although the area's overall crime rate remains low. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low numbers, with the year starting at 5.7 in December and reaching a peak of 7.3 in April 2025.

Activity saw a notable decrease towards the end of the year, with the rate falling to its lowest point of 3.1 in November 2025. Despite the slight annual increase, the overall volume of crime remains lower than the national average. For residents, these statistics suggest that while there has been a slight uptick in reported activity, Halstead remains a stable and secure place to live. The area's high safety score continues to reflect a low level of criminal activity overall, providing a secure environment for the local community.

How To Keep Safe in Halstead (Braintree)

The most common crime type in Halstead (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 town centre 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 shoplifting, local businesses should consider proactive security measures. 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 Halstead community.

Crime Timing in Halstead (Braintree)

Criminal activity in Halstead (Braintree) follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 40% of reported activity. This high percentage of theft continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where it peaks at 45% of all incidents, while burglary also increases to 23%.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts significantly toward miscellaneous 'other' offences, which make up 44% of reports. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall crime is at its lowest, vehicle crime and burglary become the dominant concerns, making up 44% and 21% of night-time incidents respectively. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and overnight hours, while personal safety and community awareness should be a focus during the evening.

Halstead (Braintree) sits in a regional context where it is a safe and stable settlement. Its crime rate of 67.6 per 1,000 is lower than Witham (80.1) and is also lower than the UK average. While it is more active than some of its smaller neighbours like Earls Colne (45.0) and Rural Braintree (47.1), it remains a secure choice for those looking for an urban area with a strong safety profile. Nearby Gosfield, Colne Engaine, and Pebmarsh all reported 0.0 rates in this period, highlighting the quiet nature of the immediate vicinity. The area's consistent safety score and declining crime rate make it a standout location for regional security.

Proactive Property Defense in Halstead

With a property crime rate of 25.0 per 1,000 people, residents of Halstead 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 an area like Halstead, where property crime is a persistent factor, 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 Halstead 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.