In Braintree, the per-capita risk of experiencing a crime in October 2025 was 5.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing the local authority district 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 193 residents, a figure that contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.2% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (8.9%) and public order offences (7.5%). Seasonal factors may partly explain these patterns, as October’s darker evenings and Halloween-related activity could influence social interactions in public spaces. Violent crime rates in Braintree were 10% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour and public order offences were significantly lower, at 60% and 25% below the national benchmarks respectively. These figures suggest that Braintree’s community dynamics—shaped by its mix of urban and rural areas—contribute to a crime profile distinct from larger cities. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (52% below UK average) and shoplifting (52% below) may reflect Braintree’s smaller retail footprint compared to major urban centres. However, the seasonal shift into darker evenings may have created conditions where violent incidents are more likely to occur, particularly in areas with concentrated nightlife or community events.