Sawbridgeworth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Sawbridgeworth’s crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents placed it 56.2% below the UK average of 6.4, underscoring the area’s relative safety. This low rate translates to a per-capita risk of encountering crime that is significantly lower than the national average, with the likelihood of being affected by a crime in a given month being roughly one in 353 residents. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 54.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.8%. These figures suggest a community where interpersonal conflicts and disruptive behaviour are the primary concerns, even as property-related crimes—such as burglary and vehicle crime—remain low. The seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and the pre-spring lull, may contribute to the lower rates of property crime, as fewer opportunities exist for theft or vandalism. However, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, coupled with the slight increase in violent crimes, highlights the need for continued vigilance in addressing local tensions. Despite these challenges, the overall crime profile remains markedly safer than the UK average, reflecting a combination of effective community policing, low population density, and the built-up area’s characteristics as a largely residential and commuter-focused environment.

February 2026 saw a sharp 166.7% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from three to eight incidents. This surge, though unexpected, may be linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, which could drive more social interactions indoors. Conversely, public order offences fell by 66.7%, and burglary rates dropped by 50%, reflecting the seasonal reduction in foot traffic and visibility in public spaces. Violent crimes, though still the most common category, rose slightly by 6.3%, from 16 to 17, a trend that remains 31% below the UK average. Other theft and vehicle crime both fell by 50%, aligning with the area’s broader pattern of lower property crime rates. These shifts illustrate how seasonal dynamics and local demographics interact to shape crime profiles, with violent crime persisting as a key concern despite the overall safety of the area.

Sawbridgeworth’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.1. This decline, while modest, aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity during winter, which may temper opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 28-day period, a figure that translates to a manageable level of risk for residents. When scaled to the population of 10,930, this means that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 353 residents—a rate that is 56.2% below the UK average. This monthly exposure figure underscores the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life, even when accounting for the 17 violent crimes reported. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that the area’s crime profile is significantly safer than the national average, with most categories—such as anti-social behaviour and burglary—registering well below UK benchmarks. This consistency in lower rates suggests a stable community environment, though the slight rise in anti-social behaviour warrants attention.