Broomfield Crime Rate

Broomfield’s crime rate of 94.4 per 1,000 residents is 3.6% above the UK average, yet its property crime rate is notably lower. The most striking anomaly is the 54% above-average rate of bicycle theft, with a 133.3% year-on-year surge. This contrast, alongside higher rates of violence and sexual offences, highlights the area’s unique crime profile, influenced by commuter patterns and local demographics.

Broomfield is a built-up area within Chelmsford, likely characterized by a mix of residential and commercial zones. Its proximity to Chelmsford, a larger urban centre, may influence crime patterns through commuter activity and retail exposure. The area’s moderate population and suburban layout may contribute to higher rates of public order and violence-related crimes compared to more rural or tightly-knit communities.

The most surprising finding in Broomfield’s crime data is the 54% above-average rate of bicycle theft, with a staggering 133.3% year-on-year increase. This anomaly may stem from Broomfield’s potential role as a cycling hub, with commuters relying on bikes for transport, or gaps in secure parking infrastructure. In contrast, anti-social behaviour and drug-related crimes are significantly below the UK average, likely due to effective local policing or community engagement. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent crime, 78% above the UK average, possibly linked to local nightlife activity or transient populations. Property crime, while lower than the UK average, shows a small upward trend in burglary, which may reflect targeted home security vulnerabilities in certain sub-areas.

Crime in Broomfield decreased by -7.2% year-on-year, but this masks stark variations. Bicycle theft surged by 133.3%, peaking in October 2025 (10.3 per 1,000/month). This spike may align with seasonal factors like increased cycling during autumn or events in the area. Violence and sexual offences fell by -8.1%, while property crime dropped by 15.4% in vehicle-related crimes. The contrast highlights the need for targeted measures against rising bicycle theft and persistent violence.

How To Keep Safe in Broomfield

Avoid isolated areas at night, especially near public order hotspots. Secure bikes with high-quality locks, as bicycle theft is 54% above the UK average. For homes, consider scOS’s proactive boundary detection to deter burglaries, which are rising by 5.9% YoY. Use well-lit routes for evening travel and report suspicious activity promptly.

Crime in Broomfield peaks in the afternoon and evening, with theft and vehicle crime dominating. Afternoons see 48% of theft-related incidents, likely tied to retail activity and commuter traffic. Vehicle crime spikes at night, with 34% of incidents occurring between midnight and 6am, suggesting opportunistic targeting of unoccupied cars in dimly lit areas. Burglary is most frequent in the evening (14%) and night (18%), aligning with reduced household presence. Public order crimes, however, are most common in the morning (33%), possibly linked to early-morning disputes or local events.

Broomfield’s crime rate is 10% higher than Boreham (86.2 per 1,000) and 1% higher than Chelmsford (93.5 per 1,000). Boreham’s lower crime rate may reflect a more rural character, while Chelmsford’s proximity to London could drive higher crime rates due to commuter activity and urban density.

For Broomfield residents, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle registration verification can address the rising bicycle theft and vehicle crime trends. Its multi-camera monitoring and behavioural pattern learning features reduce false alarms, ideal for an area with fluctuating crime patterns. Given Broomfield’s higher violence rates, scOS’s autonomous deterrence (lighting and speaker activation) can discourage opportunistic offenders.