Broomfield Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Broomfield's overall crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents placed it 22.4% above the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This marked a stark contrast to the national trend, as violent crimes accounted for 54.7% of all reported incidents, far outpacing property crimes (13 incidents, or 24.5% of the total). Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category, with 29 incidents recorded — 98% above the UK average for this category. This dominance of violent crime over property crime may reflect seasonal factors, such as the darkening evenings of November and the heightened social activity associated with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping. The latter part of the month likely saw increased foot traffic in retail areas, potentially contributing to incidents of violence or public disorder. While property crime rates remained relatively low compared to the UK average, the sharp rise in violent crime suggests a shift in the local crime profile. The seasonal context of November, with its shorter days and colder weather, may have driven more indoor gatherings, increasing the likelihood of interpersonal conflicts. This pattern is consistent with other urban areas where late autumn months see spikes in violent crime, particularly in areas with high concentrations of transient populations or limited public lighting. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones, such as local parks or community centres, where alcohol consumption or social tensions may exacerbate violent incidents.

November 2024 saw a dramatic increase in criminal damage and arson, which rose from 1 to 6 incidents — a 500% month-on-month surge. This jump, coupled with a 100% rise in anti-social behaviour (from 0 to 5 incidents), points to a sharp escalation in community tensions or targeted vandalism. The violent crime category, which already far exceeded the UK average, showed no direct correlation with these property-related increases, but the co-occurrence of both may indicate broader social unrest. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 33.3% (from 3 to 2 incidents), possibly due to reduced parking activity during the holiday season or increased patrols in local car parks. Violent crimes in Broomfield were 98% above the UK average for this category, a discrepancy that could be attributed to the area's proximity to Chelmsford's urban core, where higher population density and transient demographics may contribute to elevated rates of assault and sexual offences. The possession of weapons category also saw a 100% increase, with one reported incident — a figure that is 233% above the UK average. This anomaly may warrant closer scrutiny, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the 29 violent incidents recorded, which represent a significant portion of the area's total crime count and underscore the need for community-focused policing strategies.

Broomfield's crime rate in November 2024 rose sharply from 6.1 per 1,000 in October, reflecting a 51.5% increase over the previous month. This jump places the area's current rate 22.4% above the UK average, a gap that has widened significantly in recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly low, represents a substantial increase from October's daily average of 1.4 crimes. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for every 108 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the concentration of incidents within a relatively small population. With 5,707 residents, Broomfield's crime statistics must be contextualised against its population density and geographic position within Chelmsford. The area's proximity to major transport links and retail hubs may explain the higher-than-average violent crime rates, as these factors can contribute to increased pedestrian traffic and social interactions. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which is 93% above the UK average for this category, suggests a need for targeted interventions in specific high-risk locations. The contrast between Broomfield's violent crime surge and the UK's broader trends — where property crime often dominates — further underscores the area's unique challenges. Residents should be aware that the current rate, though still lower than some major urban centres, represents a significant departure from the previous month's figures and may require ongoing monitoring.