Brentwood Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Brentwood recorded 494 crimes across a population of 79,326, translating to a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 18.4% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a difference that underscores the local context of a largely suburban and rural district with lower population density. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 25.7% of all reported incidents (127 cases), though this rate was 38% below the UK average. Shoplifting (74 cases) and vehicle crime (69 cases) followed, with the former exceeding the UK average by 30% and the latter by 105%. These patterns may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the approach of Bonfire Night and the retail rush of Black Friday, which could drive both property-related and public order offences. The overall crime rate remained stable compared to the previous month, suggesting no sharp shifts in criminal activity. However, the breakdown highlights a combination of local characteristics: while lower violent crime may reflect the area’s suburban nature, higher shoplifting and vehicle crime could be tied to the presence of retail hubs and commuter traffic. November’s darker evenings and the transition into the holiday season may also contribute to increased anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though these were 22% below the UK average. For residents, the data illustrates a crime profile that is generally lower than national benchmarks but with pockets of concern, particularly around retail and vehicle crime, that warrant attention from local authorities.

Month-on-month analysis reveals a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from one to two incidents, and an 84.6% jump in drug-related offences, with 24 reports compared to 13 in October. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as darker evenings and increased Black Friday shopping activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 33.3%, from six to four cases, potentially indicating a temporary decline in weapon-related incidents. Shoplifting remains a standout issue, with 74 reports (15% of total crimes) and a 30% higher rate than the UK average. This aligns with Brentwood’s retail presence, particularly in areas like High Street and Chipping Ongar, where foot traffic and seasonal shopping could drive such activity. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences—accounting for 25.7% of all crimes—were 38% below the UK average, linked to the area’s suburban character and lower population density.

Brentwood's crime rate in November 2024 remained stable at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall criminal activity, though local factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, 16 crimes were reported each day, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 161 residents over the course of the month. When scaled to the area’s population of 79,326, this rate places Brentwood firmly below the UK average, which stands at 7.6 per 1,000. The population-scaled perspective highlights how the local context—such as Brentwood’s mix of suburban and rural areas—may contribute to lower crime rates compared to more densely populated or urban regions. For residents, the 1-in-161 monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of how often crime intersects with daily life in the area, though it remains a low-probability event for most individuals.