Broomfield Crime Rate

Broomfield currently maintains an overall crime rate of 97.1 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, the area achieves a safety score of 71/100, reflecting a relatively secure environment compared to many other urban settlements. The local crime landscape is showing positive signs of improvement, with a notable decreasing trend of 13.0% in year-over-year total offences. This data, covering the period from December 2024 to November 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the safety dynamics within this Chelmsford-based community. While certain categories remain more prevalent, the downward trajectory suggests that Broomfield is becoming increasingly secure for its 5,707 residents.

Broomfield's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 63.7% of all recorded incidents with 353 cases. Criminal damage and arson follow at 7.4%, while public order offences represent 6.0% of the total. When examining property crime collectively—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, various thefts, and criminal damage—the rate stands at 23.0 per 1,000 residents. This property crime rate is notably lower than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that while personal safety and public order are the primary local concerns, physical assets and homes in Broomfield are statistically less vulnerable than in many other urban settlements. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a need for balanced security that addresses both personal safety and property deterrence.

Broomfield is experiencing a positive trend in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 13.0% year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some fluctuations; the rate peaked at 10.3 in October 2025 and 10.2 in March 2025. However, the period ended on a strong note with a significant drop to 5.1 in November 2025, the lowest rate recorded during the 12-month cycle. Other low points were seen in January (6.0) and April (6.3). These figures suggest that while there are seasonal or monthly spikes, the overall trajectory for the area is one of increasing safety. For residents, this sustained reduction is an encouraging sign that local crime prevention measures and community vigilance are proving effective.

How To Keep Safe in Broomfield

The most prevalent crime type in Broomfield is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in public spaces or during social interactions. To enhance your personal safety, maintain high situational awareness when walking alone, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated routes and let someone know your expected arrival time.

For property protection, given the vehicle crime rate, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage if available. Avoid leaving any valuables on display, as even small items can attract opportunistic theft.

Regarding home security, since property crime remains a factor, consider upgrading to a proactive security system. Ensure all windows and doors have robust locks and that your home’s exterior is clear of hiding spots created by overgrown shrubbery. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide valuable community-led intelligence on recent local activity.

In Broomfield, crime intensity varies significantly throughout the day. Theft-related offences are most common during the afternoon hours (12pm-6pm), accounting for 52% of incidents in that period, likely coinciding with peak retail and movement times. Conversely, vehicle crime becomes much more prominent during the night (12am-6am), making up 34% of crimes in those early hours when cars are often left unattended. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day but shows a slight peak during the night period at 18%. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a rise in 'other' crime types, which includes public order and anti-social behaviour, often linked to local social activity. Understanding these windows of vulnerability allows residents to be more vigilant when it's most needed.

When comparing Broomfield to its immediate neighbours, it sits at the higher end of the spectrum with 97.1 crimes per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the main Chelmsford urban area, which records 93.5, and Boreham, which stands at 84.7. In stark contrast, the nearby rural settlements of Little Waltham and Great Waltham both recorded zero crimes during this period. For those looking at the region, Broomfield offers an urban-suburban balance that is safer than the national average in terms of property crime, even if its total crime volume is higher than the surrounding rural villages.

With a property crime rate of 23.0 per 1,000 residents, Broomfield homeowners face a moderate risk that necessitates a proactive approach to security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, often act as reactive tools—providing footage of an incident after it has occurred. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary still account for a portion of local activity, the shift toward prevention is critical. The scOS AI-powered operating system represents this shift, moving from passive recording to active deterrence. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify threats at the property boundary, distinguishing between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. This proactive detection allows for autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, which can disrupt a criminal's intent before a break-in occurs. For Broomfield residents, implementing professional-grade AI security signals a serious commitment to protection, often causing opportunistic criminals to bypass the property entirely in favour of easier targets.