Braintree Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 164,304, Braintree recorded 855 crimes in November 2024—a figure that translates to 5.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 31.6% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest crime rates in the region. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.8% of all reported crimes (340 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (9.0%) and shoplifting (8.2%). These patterns align with Braintree’s character as a largely suburban and commuter-focused area, where retail and community hubs may drive certain crime types. Seasonal factors likely influenced the data: Bonfire Night events, Black Friday shopping, and the early onset of winter darkness may have contributed to fluctuations in crime types. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK average, remain a significant concern, with 2.1 per 1,000 residents affected. Anti-social behaviour, which is 55% below the UK average, may reflect community policing efforts or lower population density. Shoplifting rates, 42% below the UK average, could indicate effective retail security measures. However, the relatively high rate of possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000, 67% above UK average) deserves closer attention, though the small number (11 incidents) suggests this may be an isolated trend. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between localized challenges and broader success in maintaining safety compared to national benchmarks.

November 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with three categories increasing by over 20% compared to October. Possession of weapons rose sharply by 120% (from 5 to 11 incidents), a jump that may reflect seasonal spikes in alcohol-fuelled incidents during Bonfire Night. Bicycle theft also increased by 50% (from 4 to 6), potentially linked to the onset of winter and reduced visibility. Vehicle crime rose by 34.8% (from 46 to 62), due to increased car usage during Black Friday shopping or colder weather prompting more vehicle-related crimes. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 38.5% (from 52 to 32), a drop that could indicate successful community interventions or a seasonal lull. Robbery decreased by 33.3% (from 6 to 4), though the small numbers mean this trend requires further observation. Public order offences also dropped by 22.7% (from 75 to 58), reflecting the impact of local policing during key events. Violence and sexual offences, while remaining the most common crime type, were 19% below the UK average (2.1 vs 2.6 per 1,000), suggesting Braintree’s strategies in this area may be more effective than national efforts. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.5 per 1,000, was 55% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect Braintree’s lower population density or proactive community engagement initiatives.

Braintree’s crime rate in November 2024 (5.2 per 1,000) marked a 4.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.4 per 1,000, indicating a slight but consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 28 crimes per day, a figure that may feel significant to residents but places Braintree well below the UK average in terms of overall safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 192 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. When scaled to Braintree’s population of 164,304, the 855 crimes represent a manageable burden compared to larger urban centres, where crime rates often exceed 10 per 1,000. This lower rate may be attributed to Braintree’s suburban character, which balances commuter activity with lower population density. However, the relatively high rate of possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000) highlights a niche area of concern that differs from the UK average. Residents may find the monthly exposure figure (1 in 192) useful for contextualizing their risk, though localised factors such as specific events or neighbourhood dynamics could still influence individual experiences.