Wickford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wickford's February 2024 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 35.2% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.1, a gap consistent with the area's historical lower crime profile. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.7% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (19.8%) and vehicle crime (13.5%). These figures align with Wickford's status as a built-up area within Basildon, where urban infrastructure and community dynamics may influence crime patterns. The winter season's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributed to the subdued overall rate, though this was offset by spikes in property-related offences. The area's violent crime rate—1.6 per 1,000—remained significantly below the UK average, potentially reflecting strong community engagement or effective local policing. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, coupled with vehicle crime exceeding the UK average, suggests vulnerabilities in specific sectors. These trends may be influenced by the area's proximity to industrial zones, which could attract vandals or increase vehicle-related incidents. The data also highlights a 36% deficit in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, indicating a relatively low incidence of disorderly conduct in public spaces. As February transitioned into spring, the pre-spring lull may have temporarily dampened crime activity, though the underlying factors driving property crime require further analysis.

February 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Criminal damage and arson surged by 108.3% compared to January, rising from 12 to 25 incidents. This sharp increase may reflect seasonal factors, such as colder weather driving indoor gatherings or targeted vandalism during the pre-spring lull. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), possibly linked to reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the winter months. The area's violent crime rate—1.6 per 1,000—was 36% below the UK average, a contrast to the 67% above average rate for criminal damage and arson. Vehicle crime also exceeded the UK average by 36%, highlighting the need for targeted measures in high-traffic zones. These variations underscore the combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with Wickford's unique profile shaping its crime dynamics.

For Wickford's population of 27,406, 126 crimes reported in February 2024 equate to one crime for every 218 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, reflecting the area's consistently lower crime profile. Daily crime counts averaged four incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a built-up area within Basildon. When compared to the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000, the 1.5% decline to 4.6 per 1,000 indicates a stable trend, suggesting no major shifts in local patterns. The population-scaled perspective shows that Wickford's crime profile remains markedly different from national averages, with its lower overall rate and distinct distribution across crime types. This stability, combined with the area's demographic and geographic characteristics, may contribute to the sustained gap between local and UK-wide statistics.