Witham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Witham, within Braintree, reveal a crime rate of 79.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. While the safety score stands at 80/100, reflecting a good level of perceived safety, it is essential to understand the types of crimes prevalent in the area. The most reported crimes include violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson, indicating a need for targeted interventions. The recent trend shows a decrease of 11.4% in crime year-on-year, which is a positive development for the community’s safety and security.

The latest crime statistics for Witham, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.2% of all reported crimes. These offences represent 895 incidents, significantly impacting the area's overall safety perception. Following violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour is the next most frequent crime, with 190 reported instances. Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly, with 166 recorded incidents. Property crime, specifically, shows a rate of 25.0 per 1,000 residents, which, while lower than the UK average, warrants attention. Shoplifting and other theft also contribute to the property crime picture, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies. The variety of offences underscores the complex challenges in maintaining safety within the community.

Crime rates in Witham have demonstrated a positive downward trend, decreasing by 11.4% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in July 2025 (8.3 per 1,000) and a relative low in February 2025 (5.2 per 1,000). However, the overall direction points towards improved safety. For instance, the crime rate in January 2025 was 6.3 per 1,000, decreasing to 6.2 per 1,000 in December 2025. This reduction suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and community engagement efforts. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial to sustain this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Witham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Avoid walking in poorly lit areas at night and consider travelling in groups. Due to the incidence of anti-social behaviour, reporting any suspicious activity to the police is vital. With vehicle crime a factor, always park in well-lit areas and ensure your vehicle is locked securely. Finally, be mindful of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables in public. Regularly check your home security, including locks and windows, to deter potential criminal activity.

Crime in Witham varies throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most likely to occur in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), representing 19% of burglaries. Violence and sexual offences are more common during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Theft tends to be concentrated during commercial hours (morning and afternoon), while vehicle crime is often prevalent during the night (12am - 6am). Understanding these patterns can help individuals and businesses take proactive steps to enhance their safety and security.

When assessing safety, it’s helpful to compare Witham with its neighbours. Wickham Bishops reports a significantly lower crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000, suggesting a safer environment. Hatfield Peverel, however, exhibits a higher rate of 84.7 per 1,000, demonstrating a potentially more challenging safety landscape. Silver End has a crime rate of 61.3 per 1,000, while Nounsley records a notably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting the considerable variation in safety across the region. These comparisons provide context when evaluating the relative safety of Witham.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. scOS, however, offers a proactive approach to property protection. Its multi-camera intelligence system constantly monitors your property boundary, identifying potential threats before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises familiar faces and routines, minimising false alarms. The autonomous response system – lights activating, speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders. For homeowners in Witham, where burglary remains a concern, scOS provides a level of protection that goes beyond reactive security, offering peace of mind by preventing crime before it happens. The right security system isn’t just about recording incidents; it’s about stopping them.