Broomfield Crime Rate

Broomfield is a significant residential area with an overall crime rate of 93.6 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.6. The village has a safety score of 73/100, placing it below the national average of 79/100. However, the area is experiencing a strong positive shift, with a -14.4% year-over-year decrease in total reported crimes recorded between January 2025 and December 2025. This significant reduction suggests that Broomfield is becoming safer for its 5,700 residents. While the high percentage of violence and sexual offences is a key factor in the local data, property crime remains lower than the national average. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and temporal patterns to help residents understand their environment.

Crime Breakdown in Broomfield

In Broomfield, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for a significant 63.1% of all reported incidents (337 cases). Criminal damage and arson follow at 7.3%, with public order offences making up 6.5%. The overall property crime rate for Broomfield is 21.2 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. This property crime figure includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. While the overall property risk is lower than the national average, other theft (6.0%) and vehicle crime (3.4%) are the most prominent concerns within this category. For residents, the high percentage of violence-related reports is the primary factor in the local crime profile, though property-related offences like burglary (3.2%) still require standard security precautions to maintain safety.

Broomfield is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a -14.4% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the village maintains a fluctuating rate, starting at 6.0 in January and reaching its lowest point of 5.1 in November. There were notable peaks in March (10.2), May (9.8), and October (10.3), which suggest occasional surges in reported activity. However, the overall double-digit percentage decrease over the 12-month period is a very strong indicator of an improving safety environment. This trend suggests that Broomfield is becoming a more secure place for its residents, despite the occasional spikes in monthly reported incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Broomfield

The most common crime in Broomfield is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 60% of reports. To enhance your personal and property safety in the village, we recommend the following:

1. Stay alert when walking in the area during the evening, particularly in less well-lit residential streets or near public footpaths.
2. Ensure that your home is properly secured during the night and afternoon, as these are peak times for burglary incidents in the area.
3. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or a secure driveway overnight, as vehicle crime accounts for a significant portion of night-time offences.
4. Keep all valuables out of sight in your car and ensure all windows and doors are locked, even if you are only away from the vehicle for a short time.
5. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about any local security issues and to help maintain Broomfield's improving safety trend.

Crime in Broomfield follows a distinct temporal pattern throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft offences, which make up 49% and 51% of crimes respectively. This is common for residential areas with local retail and commuter activity. As evening sets in, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, become the primary concern, accounting for 50% of incidents. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 31% and burglary at 19% of all reports during these hours. Interestingly, burglary also remains a factor in the afternoon (16%), suggesting that opportunistic thieves target homes when residents may be out. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining high security for both homes and vehicles throughout the 24-hour cycle.

Broomfield is closely linked to the northern edge of Chelmsford. Its crime rate of 93.6 per 1,000 is identical to Chelmsford's urban centre, reflecting its status as a busy residential and commuter hub. When compared to other nearby areas, it has a higher crime rate than Boreham (85.2) and is significantly more active than the smaller, more rural villages of Little Waltham and Great Waltham, which both report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset. For residents, Broomfield offers a more urban security profile than its immediate rural neighbours, but the current downward trend in crime is an encouraging sign that the area's safety is improving relative to the wider region.

In Broomfield, where the property crime rate is 21.2 per 1,000, maintaining home security is essential for peace of mind. While the overall property risk is lower than the national average, burglary and vehicle crime are persistent factors, particularly during the night and afternoon hours. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, are reactive; they record footage of an incident that has already happened, which often does little to prevent the crime. A proactive AI-powered system like scOS changes this. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS uses AI to detect potential intruders before they gain entry. The system can autonomously respond with lights or audio deterrents, destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This is especially valuable in Broomfield, where 19% of night-time crime is burglary and 31% is vehicle-related. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just recording it, you ensure your home remains a difficult target, effectively deterring opportunistic offenders and protecting your assets around the clock.