Braintree Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Braintree's January 2026 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 2.6% increase from December 2025's 4.5 per 1,000.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This slight upward trend occurs against a backdrop of seasonal factors, including the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, which may influence crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 44.7% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (8.0%) and shoplifting (7.6%). These figures suggest a crime picture shaped by both local dynamics and broader seasonal influences, such as shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes. The dominance of violent crime over property crime highlights a potential shift in the balance of crime types, with anti-social behaviour (7.6%) and public order offences (6.9%) also contributing to the mix. While Braintree's overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, the rise in violent crime may reflect underlying trends that require further analysis. The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday period and reduced retail activity, likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, though local factors such as community initiatives and policing strategies may also contribute to the overall crime picture.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns across Braintree, with bicycle theft increasing by 100% compared to December 2025, rising from 2 to 4 incidents. This jump, while modest in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as the post-holiday period, when increased bicycle usage in local parks and trails could contribute to higher theft rates. Shoplifting also rose sharply, with a 45% increase from 40 to 58 incidents, linked to reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may alter shopping behaviours. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 80%, from 5 to 1, a decline that could be attributed to heightened awareness during the post-Christmas period or changes in public behaviour. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 35.1%, from 37 to 50 incidents, influenced by colder weather driving more frequent vehicle use and parking patterns. These changes highlight a combination of seasonal and local factors shaping crime dynamics in the area.

Braintree's January 2026 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents reflects a 2.6% increase from December 2025's 4.5 per 1,000, marking the first upward movement in recent months. This slight rise occurs against a backdrop of continued performance below the UK average, which stands at 6.8 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show 25 crimes reported per day in January, a figure that, while relatively low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 214 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local communities. This figure, when compared to the UK's broader context, highlights Braintree's position as a district with lower crime rates, though the recent uptick suggests a need for continued monitoring. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the increase, Braintree remains significantly safer than the national average, with crime levels continuing to fall well below the 6.8 per 1,000 benchmark.