Brentwood Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Brentwood's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.9% below the UK average of 7.1. This performance reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics typical of a commuter belt suburb with retail and transport hubs. The area's most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.8% of all reported incidents, followed by vehicle crime (14.9%) and other theft (8.8%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a mixed urban-suburban district where public spaces and transport networks create opportunities for certain types of crime. Violence rates in Brentwood were 24% below the UK average, a figure consistent with the area's relatively stable community environment and lower population density compared to major metropolitan centres. Vehicle crime, however, exceeded the national average by 82%, likely influenced by the presence of major roads and commuter parking facilities. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to lower rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which were both significantly below UK averages. This data illustrates how local geography and infrastructure interact with broader national trends to shape the crime profile of a specific area.

February 2024 saw a 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from 0 to 2 incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, highlights the potential for opportunistic crimes in public spaces during low-traffic periods. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 36.1% compared to January, possibly reflecting seasonal patterns where increased indoor activity and home security measures reduce vulnerability. Vehicle crime remained a notable concern, with rates 82% above the UK average at 0.8 per 1,000 residents. This discrepancy may be linked to Brentwood's position along major transport corridors, where vehicle theft and vandalism are more likely. Anti-social behaviour increased by 20% (25 to 30 incidents), though this remained 62% below the national average. The rise in anti-social behaviour could be tied to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average. Drug-related offences also saw a 77.8% increase, from 9 to 16 incidents, suggesting possible shifts in local drug distribution networks or reporting patterns. These fluctuations underscore the importance of context-specific analysis when interpreting crime statistics, as national averages may not fully capture local variations.

Brentwood's crime rate in February 2024 (5.4 per 1,000) marked a 4.2% decline from the previous month's rate of 5.7 per 1,000. This monthly reduction, while modest, indicates a continuing trend of lower crime levels compared to early 2024. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 15 crimes per day in February, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 184 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, showing that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is relatively low compared to areas with higher rates. When contextualised within Brentwood's population of 79,326, the 430 total crimes recorded represent a manageable level of criminal activity for a district of its size. The comparison to the UK average further highlights Brentwood's relative safety, with its crime rate nearly 24% lower than the national figure. This gap is particularly evident in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which were 62% and 18% below UK averages respectively. The local population's characteristics—primarily suburban and commuter-oriented—likely contribute to this lower risk profile, as these demographics often correlate with reduced exposure to certain types of crime compared to densely populated urban areas.