Brentwood Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Brentwood’s crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 places it 12.5% below the UK average of 6.4. This performance contrasts with national trends, particularly in property-related offences where local patterns diverge. Violence and sexual offences (35.4% of total crimes) remain the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting (15.0%) and vehicle crime (11.9%). The area’s relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (56% below UK average) and criminal damage (13% below) suggests effective community management, though shoplifting and vehicle crime exceed national benchmarks. February’s position as a winter month with reduced outdoor activity may partly explain lower overall crime rates, though retail thefts and vehicle-related incidents suggest vulnerabilities linked to local infrastructure. The town’s mix of residential areas and commuter routes likely contributes to vehicle crime, while its retail presence may drive shoplifting. These patterns align with typical characteristics of a suburban district with mixed urban and rural features, where seasonal lulls temper but do not eliminate specific crime risks.

February 2026 saw significant shifts in crime trends, with other crime categories increasing by 100% (from 8 to 16 incidents) and bicycle theft rising by 50% (from 2 to 3). Conversely, burglary fell by 36.8% (from 19 to 12), and robbery dropped by 71.4% (from 7 to 2), reflecting potential improvements in security measures or policing focus. Shoplifting rates (0.8 per 1,000) were 38% above the UK average, while vehicle crime (0.7 per 1,000) was 100% above national levels. These disparities highlight local challenges in retail and transport sectors, possibly tied to Brentwood’s role as a commuter hub and its retail corridors. The sharp decline in possession of weapons (from 10 to 2 incidents) suggests successful enforcement efforts, though the 100% increase in 'other crime' categories raises questions about emerging issues requiring further investigation. Residents may find the 38% higher shoplifting rate particularly relevant, given its direct impact on local businesses.

Brentwood’s crime rate in February 2026 (5.6 per 1,000) represents a 4.7% decrease from the previous month’s 5.9, indicating a modest but consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 16 crimes per day, a figure that provides a tangible sense of local crime frequency. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 178 residents, a monthly exposure rate that compares favourably to national benchmarks. With a population of 79,326, the area’s crime profile reflects a balance between suburban stability and commuter-related vulnerabilities. The 12.5% gap below the UK average underscores Brentwood’s relative safety, though specific categories like shoplifting and vehicle crime reveal targeted risks. These figures, when contextualised against the area’s demographics and geography, suggest that while overall crime management is effective, targeted interventions may still be needed in high-risk sectors such as retail and transport.