Braintree Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 164,304, 886 crimes in November 2023 equate to 5.4 crimes per 1,000 residents—28% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure highlights a consistent trend in Braintree’s relatively low crime profile, which contrasts with national patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (345 cases, 38.9% of total), followed by criminal damage and arson (84 cases) and shoplifting (83 cases). These figures align with seasonal factors: November’s shorter evenings and Black Friday shopping may have influenced shoplifting rates, while Bonfire Night could have contributed to public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences, though below the UK average, remain the dominant category, reflecting Braintree’s mix of urban and rural characteristics, where social dynamics in populated areas may drive such incidents. The overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, with categories like anti-social behaviour (71% below UK levels) and vehicle crime (40% below) underscoring Braintree’s distinct profile. However, drug-related offences (50% above UK averages) highlight a specific challenge, linked to regional or local factors not fully captured by demographic data alone.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft (+100%, from 0 to 3 cases) and shoplifting (+27.7%, 65 to 83 cases), likely tied to Black Friday shopping and seasonal mobility. Conversely, robbery fell by 50% (6 to 3 cases), possibly reflecting heightened police presence or community vigilance around key retail areas. Anti-social behaviour dropped by 38.6% (88 to 54 cases), which may indicate the effectiveness of local initiatives or seasonal lulls in alcohol-fuelled incidents. Drug-related crimes were 50% above the UK average, a stark contrast to other categories that were significantly below national rates. This divergence suggests localized factors—such as specific community challenges or unmet needs—may be influencing drug-related crime, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. The overall balance of crimes shifted slightly toward violent offences (345 cases) compared to property crimes (346 cases), a near-even split that reflects Braintree’s unique mix of urban and rural environments, where both community interactions and economic activities may contribute to crime patterns.

Braintree’s crime rate fell by 5.4% from 5.7 per 1,000 in October 2023 to 5.4 per 1,000 in November, marking a slight but notable decline. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 30 crimes per day, a figure that may resonate with residents as a tangible measure of local safety. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for every 185 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not negligible, is well below the UK average. Braintree’s population of 164,304 means that 886 crimes represent a relatively low proportion of the population, reinforcing the area’s status as a safer-than-average local authority. This context is critical for residents: while the overall rate remains low, the 50% above-average drug-related crime rate underscores the need for targeted interventions. The 1-in-185 monthly exposure figure also suggests that most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly, though localized hotspots—such as retail corridors or transport hubs—may still require attention.