Brentwood Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Brentwood’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 6.5 per 1,000, placing it 13.3% below the UK average of 7.5. This relatively low rate is consistent with the area’s character as a built-up district with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where community engagement and local policing likely contribute to a controlled crime environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.3% of all reported crimes, followed by vehicle crime (25.2%) and shoplifting (9.9%). The dominance of property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime, aligns with the presence of commuter routes and retail hubs that attract both residents and visitors. Seasonal factors in April, such as the Easter holiday and milder spring weather, may have influenced patterns of outdoor activity, potentially increasing opportunities for vehicle-related crimes. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences—1.8 per 1,000—remained 31% below the UK average, a reflection of effective community initiatives or the area’s demographic profile. While shoplifting and other thefts showed modest increases, they remained below UK averages, suggesting that local efforts to deter petty crime have had some success. Overall, the data illustrates a balanced crime profile, with property crimes dominating but violent crime remaining comparatively low. This balance may be influenced by the area’s suburban character, where public spaces are well-maintained and surveillance is more prevalent than in more densely populated urban centres.

April 2023 saw dramatic shifts in Brentwood’s crime profile, with theft from the person doubling from 2 to 4 cases—a 100% increase—suggesting heightened vulnerability in public spaces. Bicycle theft also surged by 100%, rising from 0 to 1 incident, possibly linked to increased outdoor activity during the Easter period. Conversely, robbery dropped by 75%, declining from 8 to 2 cases, which may reflect seasonal changes in foot traffic or altered patterns of criminal opportunity. Vehicle crime, the second most common offence, remained 256% above the UK average at 1.6 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the sharp decline in burglary (down 31.6% to 13 cases). These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime, with property-related offences maintaining a significant share of the total, while violent crime rates remained lower than the UK benchmark.

Brentwood's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 9.7% compared to March's 5.9 per 1,000, reaching 6.5 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns influenced by seasonal factors. On a daily basis, 13 crimes were reported across the built-up area, translating to roughly one crime for every 155 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure provides a clearer picture of how frequently residents encounter crime in their community. When contextualised against the local population of 59,603, the rate remains lower than the UK average, underscoring Brentwood’s relative safety. However, the rise in specific categories, such as theft from the person, highlights areas requiring closer attention. These figures, while not alarmingly high, serve as a reminder that crime remains a tangible, albeit manageable, presence in the area.