Braintree Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Braintree’s July 2024 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 28.6% deficit compared to the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, underscoring its status as a relatively safe area. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 40% of all incidents, yet this category remained 16% below the UK average—a notable outlier that may reflect local factors such as community engagement or policing priorities. Other theft (10.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.0%) followed, though both categories showed mixed comparisons to national benchmarks. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and festivals—likely influenced crime patterns, with retail areas experiencing heightened activity that may have contributed to the sharp rise in shoplifting. While property crimes (365) slightly outnumbered violent crimes (391), the balance between the two categories suggests a combination of factors, including the area’s character as a mix of suburban and rural landscapes where outdoor events and tourism could drive both property and violent incidents. The overall rate, though up from June’s 4.9 per 1,000, remains well below national levels, indicating that Braintree’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal elements that continue to influence trends.

July 2024 saw a striking 95.6% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 45 to 88. This sharp rise aligns with Braintree’s seasonal context—peak summer, festivals, and outdoor events likely driving foot traffic in retail areas. Other theft also climbed by 60.9%, reaching 103 cases, though this category remained just 2% above the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 13%, and drug-related offences dropped by 12.5%, potentially reflecting quieter evenings or reduced summer partying. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40% of all crimes, yet this category was 16% below the UK average, a divergence that may reflect Braintree’s community dynamics or effective local policing strategies. Residents might find the 1-in-168 resident monthly exposure figure useful for understanding the relative risk in their area.

Braintree’s crime rate in July 2024 rose by 21.2% compared to June 2024, moving from 4.9 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still positions Braintree well below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 32 crimes per day in July, reflecting a consistent but manageable level of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the local population. While the monthly rate has climbed, the population-scaled perspective highlights that Braintree remains a relatively low-crime area compared to national trends. The rise in violent crimes, particularly shoplifting and other theft, contrasts with declines in vehicle crime and drug-related offences, suggesting shifting patterns that may reflect seasonal influences such as increased foot traffic during festivals and summer events.