Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM14 · Essex
227
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
CM21 · Hertfordshire
29
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Sawbridgeworth has less crime — 29 vs 227 incidents in February 2026.
Brentwood recorded substantially more crime than Sawbridgeworth in February 2026 — 227 incidents compared to 29, a 7.8x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Brentwood sees higher rates of Shoplifting (48) and Criminal damage & arson (20), while Sawbridgeworth has more Anti-social behaviour (8) and Other theft (2). Brentwood sits above the national average for recorded crime while Sawbridgeworth is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.
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, Sawbridgeworth recorded fewer crimes than Brentwood — 29 vs 227 incidents. That is 87% fewer crimes. Sawbridgeworth is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Brentwood saw higher rates of Shoplifting and Criminal damage & arson while Sawbridgeworth had more Anti-social behaviour and Other theft. Overall, Sawbridgeworth recorded fewer total crimes (29 vs 227).