Brentwood Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 saw Brentwood's overall crime rate at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 17.3% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure positions the area as one of the safer local authority districts in England. The breakdown of crimes reveals a distinct profile, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 27.3% of all incidents (135 cases), followed by vehicle crime (24.3%) and shoplifting (9.3%). The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influenced patterns, with higher foot traffic in retail areas potentially contributing to shoplifting. Violence rates in Brentwood were 35% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the district's character as a mixed urban-suburban area with limited nightlife density. However, vehicle crime stood out as an anomaly, 233% above the national average, a figure that may reflect the area's high car ownership rates and sprawling road networks. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) further differentiate Brentwood from more densely populated urban centres. These data points, when viewed alongside the seasonal shifts, suggest a crime profile shaped by both geographic and temporal factors, with opportunities for targeted interventions in specific categories.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 160% increase in 'Other crime', rising from 5 to 13 incidents. This category, which includes non-specific offences, saw a sharp spike that may reflect underreporting or shifting police categorisation. Bicycle theft also doubled, with one reported incident in April compared to none in March—a figure that could align with increased cycling activity during spring. In contrast, robbery fell by 77.8% (from 9 to 2 cases), likely influenced by Easter-related changes in public behaviour or improved security measures. Vehicle crime remained high, at 233% above the UK average (1.5 vs 0.5 per 1,000), a persistent issue in areas with high car ownership. These swings underscore the volatility of specific crime types, with some categories showing stark divergence from national trends.

Brentwood's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 7.6% compared to March, moving from 5.8 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it reflects shifts in crime patterns influenced by seasonal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 16 crimes per day during the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of April, one crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic highlights the relative safety of Brentwood compared to the national picture, though the upward trend suggests areas for continued monitoring. The population context—79,326 residents—means that crime remains concentrated in specific pockets, with no indication of widespread escalation. These figures, when viewed alongside the breakdown of crime types, offer a nuanced understanding of local challenges.