Wickford Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wickford's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, placing it 36.5% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure, when translated to everyday risk, means that for every 214 residents, one crime was reported over the course of the month—a relatively low rate for an urban environment. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.8% of total incidents), followed by vehicle crime (12.5%) and other theft (10.2%). These patterns align with Wickford's character as a commuter-oriented town with a mix of residential and retail areas. The dominance of violent crime may reflect local dynamics such as community tensions or the presence of nightlife venues, though no specific data on these factors is available. Vehicle crime, while remaining 20% above the UK average, could be linked to the area's road networks and parking infrastructure. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the crime picture: January's post-holiday lull likely contributed to lower retail-related crimes, though criminal damage and arson saw a sharp increase, due to colder weather or unseasonal activity. The overall rate, while lower than the UK average, suggests that Wickford's residents face a crime environment that is safer than the national picture, though specific categories like vehicle crime indicate areas for continued attention.

January 2024 saw a dramatic 140% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 5 to 12 incidents. This spike, though still below the UK average for the category, contrasts with a 56.3% decrease in burglary, which fell from 16 to 7 cases. The shift in property crime dynamics suggests a possible reallocation of criminal activity, with more incidents targeting public spaces or infrastructure. Vehicle crime remained 20% above the UK average, a persistent trend that may be influenced by Wickford's proximity to major transport routes. Other theft also rose sharply, increasing by 62.5% to 13 cases. This category, which includes theft from vehicles and shops, may reflect seasonal patterns such as post-holiday retail activity or changes in local economic conditions. Meanwhile, robbery and drugs-related crimes both fell by 50%, indicating potential success in targeted interventions or seasonal lulls in these categories.

Wickford's crime rate in January 2024 fell to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.6% decrease from December's 5.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities compared to holiday months. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported each day in January, a figure that contextualises the rate as relatively low for a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 214 residents, translating to a monthly exposure that is significantly lower than the UK average. This suggests that residents of Wickford face a lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, particularly when considering the area's population density and urban character. The drop in burglary rates, which fell by 56.3% from 16 to 7 incidents, may reflect seasonal shifts in property crime, though local factors such as increased security measures or community vigilance could also contribute.