Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
CM1 · Essex
266
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
CM0 · Essex
8
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Southminster has less crime — 8 vs 266 incidents in February 2026.
Chelmsford recorded substantially more crime than Southminster in February 2026 — 266 incidents compared to 8, a 33.3x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Chelmsford sees higher rates of Shoplifting (38) and Anti-social behaviour (26), while Southminster has more Criminal damage & arson (4) and Other crime (1). Chelmsford sits above the national average for recorded crime while Southminster 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, Southminster recorded fewer crimes than Chelmsford — 8 vs 266 incidents. That is 97% fewer crimes. Southminster is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Chelmsford saw higher rates of Shoplifting and Anti-social behaviour while Southminster had more Criminal damage & arson and Other crime. Overall, Southminster recorded fewer total crimes (8 vs 266).