Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM15 · Essex
31
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
CM1 · Essex
267
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
Brentwood has less crime — 31 vs 267 incidents in February 2026.
Chelmsford recorded substantially more crime than Brentwood in February 2026 — 267 incidents compared to 31, a 8.6x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Brentwood sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (5) and Vehicle crime (3), while Chelmsford has more Shoplifting (38) and Anti-social behaviour (26). Brentwood is below the national average while Chelmsford is above, making Brentwood the safer choice on this measure.
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, Brentwood recorded fewer crimes than Chelmsford — 31 vs 267 incidents. That is 88% fewer crimes. Brentwood is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Brentwood saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson and Vehicle crime while Chelmsford had more Shoplifting and Anti-social behaviour. Overall, Brentwood recorded fewer total crimes (31 vs 267).