Wickford Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wickford's crime profile in June 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 27.6% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (22.4%) and shoplifting (11.2%), creating a mix that diverges from typical urban patterns. The area's overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 40.2% below the UK average, suggests a unique combination of community characteristics and local policing strategies. The prevalence of violent crime, while lower than the national average, may be influenced by the built-up area's proximity to Basildon's retail hubs and the influx of commuters during summer months. Shoplifting's prominence could be linked to the town's retail presence, though the 25% increase from May hints at seasonal factors such as extended daylight hours and increased leisure activity. Anti-social behaviour's lower-than-average rate may reflect effective community engagement or the area's relatively quiet character outside of peak tourist seasons. The absence of significant rises in property crimes like burglary or vehicle crime contrasts with the sharp decline in these categories, indicating a focus on targeted interventions in recent months. This mix of crime types illustrates a community where public safety remains a priority, though the balance between violent and non-violent crime will require ongoing monitoring to ensure sustained improvements.

June 2024 saw a notable 25% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from 12 to 15 cases. This shift may reflect the start of summer, when retail areas experience higher foot traffic. Conversely, burglary rates fell sharply by 75%, dropping from 12 to 3 cases—a stark contrast to the 12-month average. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common crime type (27.6% of total), were 49% below the UK average at 1.4 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also remained significantly lower than the UK average, with a 21% gap at 1.1 per 1,000. The single reported theft from the person in June marks a 100% increase from May, highlighting a rare spike in this category. These changes suggest a combination of seasonal activity and local enforcement efforts from the data alone.

Wickford's crime rate in June 2024 fell to 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a 5.6% decrease from May's 5.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend of lower crime rates in the built-up area over recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly four crimes per day, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate compared to national averages. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for every 205 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests the area remains safer than many parts of the UK. With a population of 27,406, this translates to a manageable level of crime that does not overwhelm local services. The reduction in burglary rates—down 75% from 12 to 3 cases—may partly explain the overall decline, though other factors such as increased police presence or seasonal shifts could also contribute. The daily crime count, while consistent with historical patterns, remains a useful metric for residents to contextualise their personal risk.