Crime Rate in Chelmsford: Trends, Hotspots

Overview of Crime in Chelmsford

The total recorded crimes in Chelmsford, UK in March 2025 are around 1,265 as per the recent police data. This equates to a Chelmsford crime rate of 6.97 per 1,000 population.

It's important to note that this crime data is based on the Geographic Boundry data provided by the ONS around Chelmsford, encompassing approximately 181,523 residents.

Most occured crime Types

The most prevalent crimes in the area during Mar were:

  • Violence and sexual offences: (582) incidents (33.49% increase)
  • Shoplifting: (117) incidents (14.71% increase)
  • Public order: (92) incidents (29.58% increase)
Chelmsford Crime Hotspots

The surrounding areas of below locations have emerged as crime hotspots,

  • Nightclub with total crimes: 40
  • Puddings Wood Drive with total crimes: 24
  • Shopping Area with total crimes: 24

Chelmsford Police Info:

Essex Police

How safe is Chelmsford?

To understand the safety of Chelmsford, we need to analyze Chelmsford crime statistics in relation to both national and regional averages. This report will examine the available data and provide a balanced assessment.

  • Relative to the UK:

    • Chelmsford has recorded 16,768 crimes in the current year, resulting in a crime rate of 92.37 per 1,000 residents. This places it at rank 163 out of 331 in the UK, indicating it is safer than average.

    • Yearly trends show that in the previous year, the city recorded 15,876 crimes with a crime rate of 87.46, ranking it 167 in the UK. This an increase in crime suggests Negative changes.

  • Relative to Essex:

    • In 2024, Chelmsford reported a higher crime volume than the Essex average, with 16,768 crimes compared to 11,188. This indicates a potentially challenging safety environment in the region for the year. Additionally, Chelmsford recorded fewer crimes than 9 out of 11 other cities.

    • In 2023, Chelmsford experienced a greater number of crimes than the Essex average, with 15,876 crimes compared to 10,805. This indicates a higher crime burden for the city in the region during this period. Additionally, Chelmsford recorded fewer crimes than 9 out of 11 other cities.

  • Overall Assessment:

    • Based on the available data, Chelmsford is considered safer compared to the national averages.

    • Compared to other cities in Essex, Chelmsford has a higher crime rate in 2024.

    • The trend in crime rates suggests Negative changes in overall safety.

Chelmsford Crime Analysis: Ward & Area

The difference in crime rates between the most dangerous ward, Moulsham and Central (342 crimes), and the safest, Goat Hall (15 crimes), is 327 crimes. This noticeable difference indicates a clear disparity in safety across Chelmsford.

Similarly, the area of Central Chelmsford East (243 crimes) reports a significantly higher crime count compared to Moulsham West (21 crimes), with a difference of 222 crimes. This noticeable difference highlights the diverse crime landscape within Chelmsford.

Most Dangerous Wards:

Moulsham and Central342
Marconi97
Broomfield and The Walthams90
Trinity75
Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park72

Safest Wards:

Moulsham Lodge21
Chelmsford Rural West17
Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield17
Writtle15
Goat Hall15

Most Dangerous Areas:

Central Chelmsford East243
Central Chelmsford West171
Chelmer Village81
Waterhouse Lane & Admirals Park76
South Broomfield72

Safest Areas:

Galleywood29
Writtle & Highwood28
South Woodham Ferrers South21
Moulsham East21
Moulsham West21

Chelmsford Crime Statstics

In March 2025 the Chelmsford has recorded 1,265 crimes with crime rate of 6.97 ranking 9281th out of 331 in the UK and ranked 3 out 331 in terms of total crimes and 7 in terms of crime rate in Essex.

In 2024, the total Chelmsford crimes were 16,768. The crime rate of Chelmsford in 2024 was 92.37 (year) or 7.70 (month) ranking it 163 danzarous in the UK. Chelmsford ranked 3 in terms of total crimes and 6 in terms of crime rate in Essex.

In 2023, the total crimes in Chelmsford were around 15,876 crimes with yearly crime rate of 87.46 (year) or 7.29 (month) ranking 167 out 331 most dangerous city in the UK. As compared to neighboring cities in Essex, Chelmsford ranked 3 out 331 in terms of total crimes or 5 as per crime rate of Chelmsford

CityMarch 202520242023
CrimesRank (Essex)CrimesRank (Essex)CrimesRank (Essex)
Maldon246 133,699 123,581 12
Rochford365 124,940 114,915 11
Castle Point474 115,871 106,160 9
Uttlesford501 106,354 95,858 10
Braintree875 911,752 811,413 8
Brentwood578 86,730 76,665 6
Colchester1,461 518,598 416,595 7
Epping Forest969 612,979 512,779 3
Tendring1,117 415,080 313,826 4
Basildon1,579 320,557 220,839 2
Harlow930 210,933 111,148 1

Chelmsford Crime Map

Detailed Crime Data Analysis

Monthly Trends

For March 2025 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (582 incidents) and then Shoplifting showed a substantial number of incidents (117 incidents).

February 2025 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 436 incidents, and Shoplifting was another prevalent crime category with 102 incidents.

During January 2025, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (479 reports) and Shoplifting incidents were also notably high (108 cases).

December 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 510 incidents, and Shoplifting was another prevalent crime category with 115 incidents.

During November 2024, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (479 reports) and Shoplifting incidents were also notably high (148 cases).

In October 2024, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (504 incidents), followed by Shoplifting also remained a significant concern (141 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (535 incidents) were the most common in September 2024, with There was a large number of incidents involving Public order (99 incidents) also being high.

For August 2024 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (515 incidents) and then Anti-social behaviour showed a substantial number of incidents (134 incidents).

July 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 596 incidents, and Criminal damage and arson was another prevalent crime category with 123 incidents.

During June 2024, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (1058 reports) and Anti-social behaviour incidents were also notably high (212 cases).

Crime TypeCountCrime RateChange

Crime by Type

A total of 960 Other theft incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 96.00 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Other theft incidents with 164 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202590
February 202559
January 202583
December 2024110
November 202490
October 202491
September 202463
August 202499
July 2024111
June 2024164

A total of 941 Public order incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 94.10 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Public order incidents with 140 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202592
February 202571
January 202560
December 202462
November 202480
October 2024111
September 202499
August 2024119
July 2024107
June 2024140

A total of 180 Bicycle theft incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 18.00 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Bicycle theft incidents with 46 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202514
February 202511
January 20259
December 20244
November 202417
October 202416
September 202423
August 202417
July 202423
June 202446

A total of 5694 Violence and sexual offences incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 569.40 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Violence and sexual offences incidents with 1058 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 2025582
February 2025436
January 2025479
December 2024510
November 2024479
October 2024504
September 2024535
August 2024515
July 2024596
June 20241058

A total of 156 Theft from the person incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 15.60 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Theft from the person incidents with 46 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202516
February 20258
January 20258
December 202419
November 202422
October 20249
September 20247
August 202411
July 202410
June 202446

A total of 845 Vehicle crime incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 84.50 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Vehicle crime incidents with 148 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202545
February 202542
January 202577
December 202494
November 2024107
October 202495
September 202489
August 202449
July 202499
June 2024148

A total of 488 Burglary incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 48.80 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Burglary incidents with 86 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202524
February 202532
January 202540
December 202442
November 202452
October 202443
September 202440
August 202465
July 202464
June 202486

A total of 929 Criminal damage and arson incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 92.90 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Criminal damage and arson incidents with 162 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202590
February 202559
January 202570
December 202482
November 202481
October 202478
September 202480
August 2024104
July 2024123
June 2024162

A total of 520 Drugs incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 52.00 incidents per month. March 2025 saw the highest number of Drugs incidents with 64 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202564
February 202561
January 202560
December 202458
November 202454
October 202445
September 202430
August 202454
July 202438
June 202456

A total of 381 Other crime incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 38.10 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Other crime incidents with 74 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202536
February 202539
January 202539
December 202421
November 202435
October 202444
September 202434
August 202423
July 202436
June 202474

A total of 142 Possession of weapons incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 14.20 incidents per month. September 2024 saw the highest number of Possession of weapons incidents with 26 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202510
February 20256
January 202514
December 20246
November 202410
October 202410
September 202426
August 202423
July 202421
June 202416

A total of 100 Robbery incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 10.00 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Robbery incidents with 18 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 20257
February 20256
January 20259
December 202413
November 202411
October 20244
September 20244
August 202410
July 202418
June 202418

A total of 1236 Shoplifting incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 123.60 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Shoplifting incidents with 200 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 2025117
February 2025102
January 2025108
December 2024115
November 2024148
October 2024141
September 202481
August 2024124
July 2024100
June 2024200

A total of 1006 Anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded over 10 month period, averaging 100.60 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Anti-social behaviour incidents with 212 reported cases.

MonthCount
March 202578
February 202574
January 202567
December 202469
November 202498
October 2024106
September 202475
August 2024134
July 202493
June 2024212

High Crime Locations Chelmsford in March 2025

A detailed breakdown of crime incidents by location within the Chelmsford postcode area is presented below.

1. Nightclub (Map)
Total40
Violence and sexual offences20
Shoplifting5
Drugs4
Anti-social behaviour3
Theft from the person2
Public order2
Possession of weapons2
Criminal damage and arson2
2. Puddings Wood Drive (Map)
Total24
Violence and sexual offences21
Criminal damage and arson3
3. Shopping Area (Map)
Total24
Shoplifting7
Other theft5
Theft from the person4
Anti-social behaviour4
Public order3
Other crime1
4. Tindal Square (Map)
Total23
Violence and sexual offences16
Public order3
Theft from the person2
Other theft2
5. Park Road (Map)
Total18
Violence and sexual offences9
Public order3
Shoplifting2
Drugs2
Other crime1
Bicycle theft1
6. Prison (Map)
Total18
Violence and sexual offences14
Public order2
Other crime2

  • Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2021. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
  • Contains Office for National Statistics data licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0
  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.