Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM7 · Essex
37
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
CM11 · Essex
22
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Essex has less crime — 22 vs 37 incidents in February 2026.
Braintree recorded notably higher crime than Essex in February 2026 — 37 vs 22 incidents. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Braintree sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (4) and Shoplifting (3), while Essex has more Drugs (3) and Public order (2). Both areas sit below the national average for recorded crime — a positive sign for either location.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Essex recorded fewer crimes than Braintree — 22 vs 37 incidents. That is 41% fewer crimes. Essex is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Braintree saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson and Shoplifting while Essex had more Drugs and Public order. Overall, Essex recorded fewer total crimes (22 vs 37).