Braintree Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Braintree's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 32.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance highlights Braintree's consistently lower crime profile compared to national benchmarks, a trend that aligns with the area's characteristics as a largely commuter-focused district with a mix of urban and suburban environments. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.6% of all incidents (319 cases), followed by shoplifting (9.3%) and public order offences (8.9%). These figures suggest a combination of local factors, including the presence of retail hubs and the seasonal dynamics of winter months, which may influence patterns of violent and disorderly conduct. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, meaning Braintree's rate is 18% lower, a difference that could reflect the area's emphasis on community engagement and targeted policing strategies. Shoplifting in Braintree (0.4 per 1,000) is 31% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), linked to the district's retail infrastructure and proactive measures such as CCTV deployment and staff training. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.3 per 1,000, is 67% below the UK average (0.9 per 1,000), a disparity that may be attributed to the area's lower population density and the effectiveness of local initiatives aimed at early intervention. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the lower overall crime rate, though this pattern requires further analysis to confirm. The data also reveals a 57% reduction in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, a factor that could be associated with Braintree's relatively stable community structures and the absence of high-risk industrial zones. These findings collectively illustrate a crime picture that, while not immune to fluctuations, consistently positions Braintree as a safer area than the national average, with targeted efforts in violent crime reduction and community policing likely playing a significant role.

February 2026 saw a stark 300% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a sharp contrast to the overall downward trend in crime. This spike may be linked to heightened indoor activity during winter, though no definitive causal link can be established. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 42% (from 50 to 29 incidents), likely reflecting reduced traffic and lower pedestrian presence during colder months. Public order offences rose by 17%, a modest increase that may correlate with the pre-spring transition and seasonal social patterns. Braintree's rate of violence and sexual offences (1.9 per 1,000) remains 18% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be influenced by the area's demographic profile and community policing efforts. The 60% reduction in burglary compared to the UK average also underscores a broader pattern of lower property crime in this district.

Braintree's crime rate in February 2026 (4.3 per 1,000 residents) marked an 8.6% decrease from the previous month's 4.7 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of February—a winter month typically associated with lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 25 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 235 residents, a ratio that places Braintree's monthly exposure well below the UK average. This lower frequency, combined with the area's population of 164,304, suggests a relatively safer environment compared to national benchmarks. The decline in violent crime, particularly in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, further reinforces this trend, though the slight increase in public order offences indicates areas requiring closer attention.