Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM1 · Essex
267
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
CB6 · Cambridgeshire
1
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Downham has less crime — 1 vs 267 incidents in February 2026.
Chelmsford recorded substantially more crime than Downham in February 2026 — 267 incidents compared to 1, a 267.0x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Chelmsford sees higher rates of Violence & sexual offences (107) and Shoplifting (38), while Downham has more Public order (1). Chelmsford sits above the national average for recorded crime while Downham 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, Downham recorded fewer crimes than Chelmsford — 1 vs 267 incidents. That is 100% fewer crimes. Downham is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Chelmsford saw higher rates of Violence & sexual offences and Shoplifting while Downham had more Public order. Overall, Downham recorded fewer total crimes (1 vs 267).