Rural Braintree Crime Rate

Rural Braintree recorded an overall crime rate of 47.1 per 1,000 people between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 88/100. While the area has seen a 6.0% year-over-year increase in criminal activity, this rise is from a very low baseline, and the area remains one of the more secure parts of the Essex region. As a collection of rural settlements within the Braintree local authority, Rural Braintree provides a secure and tranquil environment compared to the more active town centres. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types and timing to help rural residents maintain their high standard of safety and security.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Braintree

In Rural Braintree, the most frequent reports are for violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.6% of all crime (665 incidents). Other theft is the second most common concern at 10.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.6%. These three categories represent over 60% of all police activity in the rural settlement.

Property-related crime in Rural Braintree is relatively low, with a combined rate of 16.4 per 1,000 people. This total includes 100 burglaries and 89 vehicle crimes. Burglary accounts for 6.6% of total crime, while vehicle crime makes up 5.8%. For residents, the burglary rate of 3.1 per 1,000 is slightly higher than in some more urban parts of the district, suggesting that isolated rural properties may be targeted. The prevalence of 'other theft' (10.2%) also indicates that opportunistic property offences are a persistent factor in the area.

Crime Trends in Rural Braintree

Rural Braintree has seen a 6.0% year-over-year increase in crime, although the area's overall crime rate remains low. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low numbers, with the year starting at 3.7 in December and reaching a peak of 4.9 in March 2025.

Activity saw a notable decrease towards the end of the year, with the rate falling to its lowest point of 2.8 in November 2025. Despite the slight annual increase, the overall volume of crime remains very low compared to regional averages. For residents, these statistics suggest that while there has been a slight uptick in reported activity, Rural Braintree remains a stable and secure place to live. The area's high safety score continues to reflect a very low level of criminal activity overall, providing a secure environment for the local community.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Braintree

The most common crime type in Rural Braintree is violence and sexual offences. While the overall numbers are lower than urban averages, personal safety in rural areas often depends on awareness and preparation.

To stay safe, particularly in the afternoon when theft reaches 55% of its daily activity, ensure that all outbuildings, garages, and gates are securely locked, even if you are just in the garden. If you are out walking after dark, carry a torch and let someone know your expected return time. In the evening, when miscellaneous offences are more varied, ensure your property is well-lit and report any concerning activity to the local authorities.

With vehicle crime peaking at 38% during the night-time hours, it is essential to have a robust home security system active overnight. Ensure all windows and doors are double-checked before retiring. Given the burglary rate of 3.1 per 1,000, a proactive security system that detects movement at the property boundary can provide the early warning needed to stay safe in more secluded locations, helping to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the Rural Braintree community.

Crime Timing in Rural Braintree

Criminal activity in Rural Braintree follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 52% of reported activity. This high percentage of theft continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where it peaks at 55% of all incidents, while burglary also increases to 23%.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts significantly toward miscellaneous 'other' offences, which make up 37% of reports, while burglary and theft both account for 23-24%. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall crime is at its lowest, vehicle crime and burglary become the dominant concerns, making up 38% and 27% of night-time incidents respectively. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and overnight hours, while personal safety and community awareness should be a focus during the evening.

Rural Braintree is a safe residential area in the Essex region. Its crime rate of 47.1 per 1,000 is much lower than the district's larger settlements like Witham (80.1) and Halstead (67.6). It is also safer than Great Notley (43.1) and Black Notley (37.6) are in comparison to the UK average. This makes Rural Braintree an excellent choice for those seeking a secure, low-activity environment that is still within reach of local amenities. The area's high safety score is a key draw for prospective residents, offering a more peaceful lifestyle than many other parts of the county.

Rural Property Security in Braintree

With a property crime rate of 16.4 per 1,000 people, residents of Rural Braintree face unique security challenges. Rural properties are often more isolated, meaning they can be targeted by burglars who believe they have more time to operate without being noticed. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive. They record footage of a crime or alert you after an entry has been attempted, which is often too late for effective intervention in a rural setting.

Proactive protection through an AI-powered system like scOS is far more effective for rural homes. scOS uses intelligent boundary detection to identify potential threats before they reach your house. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, the system can distinguish between wildlife, family, and genuine intruders. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with deterrent lighting and audio warnings, surprising and deterring criminals before they can cause damage or gain entry. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection provides a level of security that matches Rural Braintree's high safety score, ensuring your more isolated property is actively defended 24/7.