Basildon Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Basildon during November 2023 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, 31% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This category alone accounted for nearly 40% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing other types. The overall crime rate for the area was 8.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12% above the national average of 7.5 per 1,000. This discrepancy may partly reflect Basildon's position as a commuter town with a mix of urban and suburban characteristics, where public spaces and transport hubs could contribute to higher rates of violent incidents. Seasonal factors also played a role: the approach of Bonfire Night and the peak of Black Friday shopping may have influenced patterns of public order offences and property crimes. While property crimes (605) and violent crimes (648) remained relatively balanced, the dominance of violence-related offences highlights a shift in the crime profile compared to other months. This contrasts with the UK average, where violent crimes make up a smaller share of total reports, suggesting local dynamics such as increased foot traffic in retail areas or social interactions in public spaces during November may have amplified these incidents. The data also shows a 19% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, linked to seasonal activities or unseasonal weather patterns affecting property maintenance.

Theft from the person saw a dramatic 150% increase in November 2023, rising from 6 to 15 incidents. This spike could be linked to the timing of Black Friday shopping, when crowded retail environments may create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 34.6% compared to October, due to the closure of certain venues during the month or changes in community activity. Vehicle crime also fell by 27.5%, from 153 to 111, which may reflect reduced car usage during colder weather or increased security measures in parking areas. Despite these decreases, several categories remained above the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 31% higher, public order offences 32% higher, and drugs-related crime 50% higher. These figures may indicate persistent challenges in addressing specific local issues, such as the impact of seasonal events on public order or the need for targeted interventions in areas with higher drug-related activity. For residents, the 150% rise in theft from the person serves as a concrete reminder to remain vigilant during peak shopping periods, highlighting a direct concern for personal safety in crowded areas.

The crime rate in November 2023 (8.4 per 1,000) marked a 10.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.4 per 1,000, suggesting a temporary moderation in criminal activity. On a daily basis, Basildon experienced approximately 54 crimes per day during November, a figure that contextualizes the scale of activity for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 119 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This rate is slightly higher than the UK average but reflects the specific dynamics of Basildon, which has a population of 193,632. The decrease from October may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as reduced night-time activity during colder weather or the winding down of post-Christmas shopping events in early November. However, the persistent elevation of certain crime types—particularly violence and sexual offences—suggests that underlying issues require ongoing attention. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that while the rate is above the UK average, the absolute number of crimes (1,624) is manageable for a town of Basildon's size, with targeted policing and community initiatives potentially playing a role in mitigating risk factors.