Braintree Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Braintree's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 28.8% below the UK average of 6.6. This relatively low rate, consistent with Braintree's character as a mixed urban-rural district with a focus on residential and small business areas, reflects a combination of effective local policing and community factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 44.7% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (8.0%) and shoplifting (7.6%). These patterns align with the area's mix of retail centres and suburban neighbourhoods, where high foot traffic and commercial activity may contribute to certain crime types. Seasonal context plays a role in these figures: January's post-holiday period and shorter days likely reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes, though the data also shows a sharp rise in bicycle theft, which may be linked to increased cycling during colder months. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (56% below UK) and public order offences (27% below UK) suggest that Braintree's community-focused policing and local initiatives may be having a measurable impact on reducing low-level disorder. However, the slight upward trend in overall crime compared to December 2025 (4.5 per 1,000) indicates the need for continued vigilance, particularly in addressing the 100% increase in bicycle theft and the 45% surge in shoplifting. These shifts may be influenced by specific local events or seasonal shopping patterns, though further analysis would be required to confirm potential causal factors.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, jumping from 2 to 4 incidents—a stark contrast to the 80% decline in theft from the person, which dropped from 5 to 1. These opposing trends highlight shifting patterns in criminal activity, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and changes in retail footfall. Violent crime remained a dominant category, accounting for 44.7% of all reported incidents, though it remained 14% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. The rise in vehicle crime (+35.1%) may reflect increased parking activity in colder weather, while shoplifting surged by 45%—a significant shift that could be tied to post-holiday shopping patterns or targeted retail theft. Residents may find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it suggests a need for heightened vigilance in securing personal property during the winter months.

Braintree's crime rate in January 2026 rose slightly to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a 2.6% increase from the previous month's 4.5. This small upward trend suggests a shift in local dynamics. below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 25 reported crimes each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a localised timeframe. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 214 residents, a metric that offers a sense of scale for residents considering their personal exposure. This rate is lower than the UK average when scaled to population size, reflecting Braintree's generally safer profile compared to national benchmarks. The slight increase from December may be linked to seasonal transitions, such as the return of school term activities or post-holiday retail patterns from the data alone.