Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM18 · Essex
286
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
CM21 · Hertfordshire
29
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Sawbridgeworth has less crime — 29 vs 286 incidents in February 2026.
Harlow recorded substantially more crime than Sawbridgeworth in February 2026 — 286 incidents compared to 29, a 9.9x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Harlow sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (26) and Shoplifting (26), while Sawbridgeworth has more Anti-social behaviour (8) and Other theft (2). Harlow 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 Harlow — 29 vs 286 incidents. That is 90% fewer crimes. Sawbridgeworth is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Harlow saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson and Shoplifting while Sawbridgeworth had more Anti-social behaviour and Other theft. Overall, Sawbridgeworth recorded fewer total crimes (29 vs 286).