Braintree Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Braintree's crime profile in May 2024, accounting for 42% of all reported incidents. This category, at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, remains 30% below the UK average, a consistent trend for the area. The overall crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents—42.9% below the national average—reflects Braintree's status as a relatively low-crime local authority, though the prominence of violent crime suggests targeted challenges. The breakdown reveals a stark contrast between property and violent crime: while property crimes (252 total) accounted for 32% of all incidents, violent crimes (332 total) were more than double that share. This imbalance may partly explain the area's lower-than-expected violent crime rates compared to UK averages, as Braintree's rural and suburban character likely limits opportunities for large-scale property crime but does not eliminate risks associated with interpersonal violence. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may contribute to the prevalence of violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.5% of total crimes, was 59% below the UK average, underscoring Braintree's success in managing public order. Other categories, such as criminal damage and arson (7.1% of total crimes), were also significantly below national rates, suggesting effective local strategies in addressing these issues. The data highlights a combination of Braintree's geographic and demographic characteristics and its crime patterns, with the area's lower population density and community-focused initiatives likely playing a role in maintaining its relatively low crime rates.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in Braintree's crime profile, with possession of weapons and theft from the person both increasing by 200% compared to April. This surge, though small in absolute terms, signals potential concerns around public safety in specific contexts. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 45.7%, likely reflecting seasonal changes or effective local initiatives targeting car-related offences. The area's violent crime category—violence and sexual offences—remained 30% below the UK average at 2.0 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the national trend. Anti-social behaviour, another major category, was 59% below the UK average, highlighting Braintree's success in managing community disorder. For residents, the 26 daily crimes reported in May offer a tangible reference point for local safety awareness.

Braintree's crime rate for May 2024 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 3.2% decrease from April's 5.0 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader trends observed in the area over recent months, suggesting sustained efforts in community policing or environmental factors contributing to reduced incidents. On a daily basis, Braintree reported approximately 26 crimes per day in May, a figure that, while consistent with historical averages for the region, remains well below the UK average. When considering the monthly exposure, residents faced a 1-in-208 chance of experiencing a reported crime during May, a ratio that underscores the area's relative safety compared to national benchmarks. The local population of 164,304 provides context for these figures, with the crime rate per capita remaining significantly lower than the UK average, reflecting Braintree's unique demographic and geographic profile.