Brentwood Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Brentwood in March 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 31.2% of all incidents—nearly a third of the total. This category, at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, was 25% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively lower prevalence of violent crime compared to the national trend. Vehicle crime, however, stood out as a stark contrast, with 93 incidents reported—1.2 per 1,000 residents, 155% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This disparity may be attributed to the area's road network and commuter traffic, which could create opportunities for vehicle-related offences. Shoplifting, at 10.1% of total crimes, also exceeded the UK average by 15%, influenced by the opening of spring retail seasons and the lengthening of evenings. The overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents places Brentwood 15.6% below the UK average, a figure that aligns with its suburban character, where lower population density and community-oriented policing may contribute to the relative safety. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to spring and the impact of daylight saving time—could have subtly influenced crime patterns, with increased visibility in the evenings deterring some offences while also extending retail hours, which might encourage shoplifting.

March 2024 saw a 73.3% increase in shoplifting compared to February, with reported cases rising from 30 to 52. This surge, though not unprecedented, may reflect seasonal shifts as spring shopping activity intensifies. Vehicle crime remained a significant outlier, 155% above the UK average at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, potentially linked to the area's commuter infrastructure and parking density. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person both decreased, with robbery falling by 66.7% to two reported incidents. The sharp rise in possession of weapons—doubling from two to four cases—raises questions about local enforcement or reporting practices. Anti-social behaviour remained well below the UK average at 0.5 per 1,000, a figure 57% lower than the national rate, reflecting the area's relatively quiet suburban environment.

Brentwood's crime rate in March 2024 rose by 19.9% compared to February 2024, moving from 5.4 to 6.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 15.6% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 17 crimes each day in March, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents, highlighting the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. When viewed against the population of 79,326, this rate suggests that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis, though the upward trend from the previous month warrants attention. The local context—characterised by suburban sprawl and a mix of commercial and residential zones—may influence these figures, with factors such as increased foot traffic in retail areas during the spring transition potentially contributing to shifts in crime patterns.