Crime Rate in Chelmsford: Trends, Hotspots

Overview of Crime in Chelmsford

The total recorded crimes in Chelmsford, UK in July 2025 are around 1,291 as per the recent police data. This equates to a Chelmsford crime rate of 7.11 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 Jul were:

  • Violence and sexual offences: (587) incidents (1.56% increase)
  • Anti-social behaviour: (125) incidents (37.36% increase)
  • Shoplifting: (102) incidents (-2.86% decrease)
Chelmsford Crime Hotspots

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

  • Nightclub with total crimes: 34
  • Park Road with total crimes: 28
  • Nightclub 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 (312 crimes), and the safest, The Lawns (15 crimes), is 297 crimes. This noticeable difference indicates a clear disparity in safety across Chelmsford.

Similarly, the area of Central Chelmsford East (207 crimes) reports a significantly higher crime count compared to Moulsham East (22 crimes), with a difference of 185 crimes. This noticeable difference highlights the diverse crime landscape within Chelmsford.

Most Dangerous Wards:

Moulsham and Central312
Marconi109
Broomfield and The Walthams97
St Andrews85
Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park82

Safest Wards:

Goat Hall24
Moulsham Lodge21
Chelmsford Rural West20
Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield17
The Lawns15

Most Dangerous Areas:

Central Chelmsford East207
Central Chelmsford West172
Melbourne88
Waterhouse Lane & Admirals Park79
Great Leighs & the Walthams73

Safest Areas:

South Woodham Ferrers South27
Danbury & Bicknacre27
South Woodham Ferrers North26
Springfield South & Coronation Park23
Moulsham East22

Chelmsford Crime Statstics

In July 2025 the Chelmsford has recorded 1,291 crimes with crime rate of 7.11 ranking 233th out of 331 in the UK and ranked 4 out 331 in terms of total crimes and 6 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

CityJuly 202520242023
CrimesRank (Essex)CrimesRank (Essex)CrimesRank (Essex)
Maldon342 133,699 123,581 12
Rochford406 124,940 114,915 11
Uttlesford551 116,354 95,858 10
Castle Point458 105,871 106,160 9
Braintree921 911,752 811,413 8
Colchester1,625 818,598 416,595 7
Brentwood568 76,730 76,665 6
Epping Forest1,125 412,979 512,779 3
Tendring1,477 515,080 313,826 4
Basildon1,790 120,557 220,839 2
Harlow938 210,933 111,148 1

Chelmsford Crime Map

Detailed Crime Data Analysis

Monthly Trends

July 2025 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 587 incidents, and Anti-social behaviour was another prevalent crime category with 125 incidents.

During June 2025, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (578 reports) and Shoplifting incidents were also notably high (105 cases).

In May 2025, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (543 incidents), followed by Shoplifting also remained a significant concern (146 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (475 incidents) were the most common in April 2025, with There was a large number of incidents involving Shoplifting (131 incidents) also being high.

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).

Crime TypeCountCrime RateChange

Crime by Type

A total of 766 Vehicle crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 63.83 incidents per month. November 2024 saw the highest number of Vehicle crime incidents with 107 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202547
June 202549
May 202525
April 202547
March 202545
February 202542
January 202577
December 202494
November 2024107
October 202495
September 202489
August 202449

A total of 145 Possession of weapons incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 12.08 incidents per month. September 2024 saw the highest number of Possession of weapons incidents with 26 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202512
June 202512
May 20258
April 20258
March 202510
February 20256
January 202514
December 20246
November 202410
October 202410
September 202426
August 202423

A total of 6223 Violence and sexual offences incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 518.58 incidents per month. July 2025 saw the highest number of Violence and sexual offences incidents with 587 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025587
June 2025578
May 2025543
April 2025475
March 2025582
February 2025436
January 2025479
December 2024510
November 2024479
October 2024504
September 2024535
August 2024515

A total of 971 Criminal damage and arson incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 80.92 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Criminal damage and arson incidents with 104 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202581
June 202573
May 2025101
April 202572
March 202590
February 202559
January 202570
December 202482
November 202481
October 202478
September 202480
August 2024104

A total of 1420 Shoplifting incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 118.33 incidents per month. November 2024 saw the highest number of Shoplifting incidents with 148 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025102
June 2025105
May 2025146
April 2025131
March 2025117
February 2025102
January 2025108
December 2024115
November 2024148
October 2024141
September 202481
August 2024124

A total of 142 Theft from the person incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 11.83 incidents per month. November 2024 saw the highest number of Theft from the person incidents with 22 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202510
June 20255
May 202515
April 202512
March 202516
February 20258
January 20258
December 202419
November 202422
October 20249
September 20247
August 202411

A total of 1107 Anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 92.25 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Anti-social behaviour incidents with 134 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025125
June 202591
May 2025110
April 202580
March 202578
February 202574
January 202567
December 202469
November 202498
October 2024106
September 202475
August 2024134

A total of 153 Bicycle theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 12.75 incidents per month. September 2024 saw the highest number of Bicycle theft incidents with 23 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202510
June 202510
May 20259
April 202513
March 202514
February 202511
January 20259
December 20244
November 202417
October 202416
September 202423
August 202417

A total of 490 Burglary incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 40.83 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Burglary incidents with 65 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202530
June 202527
May 202551
April 202544
March 202524
February 202532
January 202540
December 202442
November 202452
October 202443
September 202440
August 202465

A total of 105 Robbery incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 8.75 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Robbery incidents with 13 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 20259
June 20259
May 202510
April 202513
March 20257
February 20256
January 20259
December 202413
November 202411
October 20244
September 20244
August 202410

A total of 1085 Public order incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 90.42 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Public order incidents with 119 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025102
June 2025105
May 2025108
April 202576
March 202592
February 202571
January 202560
December 202462
November 202480
October 2024111
September 202499
August 2024119

A total of 698 Drugs incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 58.17 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Drugs incidents with 86 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202554
June 202569
May 202586
April 202563
March 202564
February 202561
January 202560
December 202458
November 202454
October 202445
September 202430
August 202454

A total of 1013 Other theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 84.42 incidents per month. December 2024 saw the highest number of Other theft incidents with 110 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202589
June 202568
May 202591
April 202580
March 202590
February 202559
January 202583
December 2024110
November 202490
October 202491
September 202463
August 202499

A total of 398 Other crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 33.17 incidents per month. October 2024 saw the highest number of Other crime incidents with 44 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202533
June 202528
May 202537
April 202529
March 202536
February 202539
January 202539
December 202421
November 202435
October 202444
September 202434
August 202423

High Crime Locations Chelmsford in July 2025

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

1. Nightclub (Map)
Total34
Violence and sexual offences15
Shoplifting4
Theft from the person3
Public order3
Other theft3
Drugs3
Possession of weapons1
Other crime1
Burglary1
2. Park Road (Map)
Total28
Violence and sexual offences12
Anti-social behaviour8
Shoplifting6
Theft from the person1
Possession of weapons1
3. Nightclub (Map)
Total24
Violence and sexual offences10
Shoplifting5
Other theft4
Public order2
Theft from the person1
Drugs1
Bicycle theft1
4. Tindal Square (Map)
Total22
Violence and sexual offences13
Public order5
Other theft2
Theft from the person1
Other crime1
5. Parking Area (Map)
Total19
Violence and sexual offences10
Public order7
Other theft2
6. Police Station (Map)
Total12
Drugs8
Public order2
Criminal damage and arson2

  • 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.