Broomfield Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a troubling escalation in violent and public order crimes in Broomfield, a built-up area within Chelmsford. The overall crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents placed the area 6.2% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's urban density and proximity to Chelmsford's larger population centres. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 48.7% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average of 42%. This trend is consistent with patterns observed in similar urban areas, where concentrated populations and limited green spaces may contribute to heightened interpersonal conflicts. Public order offences also surged to 1.4 per 1,000 residents, 241% above the UK average, a statistic that aligns with the seasonal context of a winter month when indoor gatherings and reduced daylight hours can amplify social tensions. The data suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, with the built-up nature of Broomfield likely exacerbating issues related to overcrowding and limited public amenities. While the area's crime rate remained stable compared to the previous month, the composition of crimes has shifted sharply towards more immediate, confrontational incidents. This contrast with the UK average—particularly in violent and public order categories—highlights the need for tailored community engagement strategies. The seasonal context of a pre-spring lull may have influenced these trends, as the transition from winter to spring often brings fluctuations in social behaviour and outdoor activity levels. Residents are advised to remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly during evening hours, while local authorities may need to consider targeted initiatives to address the disproportionate rise in violent and disorderly conduct.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 300% increase in public order offences, jumping from 2 to 8 cases. This surge, coupled with a 26.7% rise in violence and sexual offences, signals a concerning shift in local crime patterns. The 100% increase in anti-social behaviour—rising from 1 to 2 cases—further compounds these concerns, with both categories now significantly outpacing UK averages. While criminal damage and arson fell by 55.6% and vehicle crime dropped by 50%, these decreases may be temporary, given the seasonal context of a pre-spring lull. Violent crimes accounted for 48.7% of all reported incidents, far above the UK average of 42%, suggesting a need for targeted interventions. The data also shows public order offences in Broomfield are 241% higher than the UK average, a stark contrast that warrants attention from local authorities. For residents, the 300% spike in public order crimes—now at 1.4 per 1,000 residents—could indicate heightened tensions in shared spaces like community centres or transport hubs.

Broomfield's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. However, the daily crime context reveals a localised pattern: 39 crimes over 28 days equate to approximately one crime per day, a figure that may prompt residents to remain vigilant in public spaces. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 146 residents, a statistic that underscores the need for community awareness. While the overall rate is stable, the distribution of crimes has shifted significantly, with public order offences surging by 300% compared to January. This contrasts with the UK average, where public order crimes are 241% below the national rate, highlighting a unique challenge for Broomfield. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that violent crimes remain high—48.7% of all reported crimes—compared to the UK average of 42%, suggesting a localised factor driving this trend. These figures, when viewed alongside the area's built-up nature and proximity to Chelmsford's urban core, may indicate pressures from increased foot traffic or social dynamics in specific neighbourhoods.