Wick (Arun) Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Wick (Arun) for October 2024 reveals a distinct balance between property-related and violent crimes. With a total crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents—3.7% above the UK average—the area’s crime mix highlights shoplifting as the most prevalent category, accounting for 36.9% of all reported crimes. This rate of 3.1 per 1,000 is 331% higher than the UK average for shoplifting, suggesting a significant localised issue that may be linked to the area’s retail presence or seasonal factors such as Halloween. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.0 per 1,000, constitute 24.3% of total crimes, but this is 25% below the UK average, indicating a relatively lower incidence of violent crime compared to national trends. Anti-social behaviour, though less common than shoplifting, remains a notable category, contributing 10.8% of reported crimes. This contrast between property crime dominance and comparatively lower rates of violence may reflect the area’s character as a mixed-use built-up zone with a combination of residential and commercial spaces. Seasonal factors in October—such as darker evenings and the transition to winter—could contribute to increased property crimes, as shoplifting and vehicle crime both see spikes during this period. The overall crime rate, while slightly above the UK average, remains within a range consistent with similar rural and semi-rural built-up areas, where retail and community spaces may drive specific crime patterns.

October 2024 saw significant fluctuations in crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 70.8% to 41 incidents—accounting for 36.9% of all crimes. This sharp increase, alongside a 133.3% rise in vehicle crime (from 3 to 7), suggests seasonal or situational factors influencing criminal activity, such as Halloween-related disruptions or changes in pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 58.6% to 12 incidents, possibly reflecting a combination of reduced public gatherings and increased community awareness during the month. The category of possession of weapons also rose sharply, doubling from 0 to 2 incidents—a 100% increase that may be linked to localised events or increased police visibility. Shoplifting remains 331% above the UK average, a stark contrast to other categories like public order offences, which were 46% below the national average. This divergence underscores the unique pressures faced by Wick (Arun), where retail-focused crime appears to dominate despite lower rates of violence and sexual offences. For residents, the most immediate insight is the sharp rise in shoplifting, which may warrant increased vigilance in local retail areas during the autumn months.

Compared to September 2024, when the crime rate stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, Wick (Arun) experienced a 3.7% increase in October, pushing the rate to 8.4 per 1,000. This modest but measurable rise aligns with broader seasonal trends, as October’s shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures may influence both criminal activity and police response rates. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 4 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while seemingly low, translates to one reported crime for every 120 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible metric for residents to gauge their personal risk, though it does not account for variations in individual circumstances or localised hotspots. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Wick (Arun)’s crime rate, though slightly above the UK average, remains within the range of similar built-up areas. For context, the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000 suggests that Wick’s rate is not an outlier but rather a reflection of localised factors such as retail density and seasonal patterns. This comparison highlights the importance of viewing crime statistics through both absolute and relative lenses, ensuring that residents and local authorities can make informed decisions about community safety initiatives and resource allocation.