Billericay Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Billericay’s crime rate in August 2023 remained significantly below the UK average, at 4.0 per 1,000 residents—50.6% lower than the national figure of 8.1. This safety profile is underpinned by a mix of crime types, with violence and sexual offences (32.6% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (15.6%) dominating the breakdown. Public order offences (9.6%) and anti-social behaviour (8.9%) followed, reflecting a pattern more aligned with local community dynamics than national trends. August, a peak holiday month, may have influenced crime patterns through increased tourism and seasonal activity to burglary or property crime. The area’s low rate of violent crime, 51% below the UK average, suggests a strong community framework or effective local policing. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting—a 266.7% increase—remains unexplained by the data, highlighting a potential shift in criminal activity that may warrant further investigation. The balance between property and violent crime, with property offences accounting for 46% of incidents, indicates a focus on retail and vehicle-related crime, likely tied to Billericay’s built-up area status and proximity to transport hubs. Seasonal factors, such as the influx of holidaymakers, could contribute to the surge in shoplifting. Overall, the data illustrates a relatively safe environment with notable exceptions, pointing to areas where targeted interventions might be beneficial.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 266.7% increase in shoplifting, jumping from three to eleven incidents. This sharp rise, though unexplained by the data, contrasts with declines in other areas, such as a 50% reduction in robbery and an 85.7% drop in 'other crime'. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 15.4%, a trend consistent with the broader 51% gap between Billericay’s rate (1.3 per 1,000) and the UK average (2.6 per 1,000). Meanwhile, vehicle crime in the area was 22% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability in this category. Residents might note that while violent crime remains low, the surge in shoplifting could signal seasonal or localized factors affecting retail areas. The data also reveals an unexpected 100% increase in theft from the person, a category typically rare in the area, suggesting a need for targeted awareness.

Billericay's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 5.5% compared to July, moving from 3.8 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a slight uptick in reported incidents despite the area’s overall safety profile. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of four crimes per day in August, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 250 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to national averages. With a population of 33,774, this monthly exposure highlights the community’s resilience in maintaining safety, even as specific categories like shoplifting saw sharp increases. The data suggests that while the overall trend is stable, localized shifts in crime patterns warrant attention, particularly as August’s peak holiday season may have influenced certain activities.