Wickford Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wickford’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 38.1% below the UK average of 8.4. This performance highlights a broader trend in Wickford’s crime profile, which consistently diverges from national patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.1% of total), anti-social behaviour (18.3%), and public order issues (9.2%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.8 per 1,000), where Wickford’s rate is 51% lower. This discrepancy may stem from the area’s suburban character, where community cohesion and lower population density reduce opportunities for certain crimes. May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely influenced the rise in public order offences, as outdoor drinking and socialising increased. The area’s lower rates of shoplifting (38% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (31% below) further suggest that Wickford’s environment—characterised by a mix of residential and commercial areas—does not foster the high levels of petty crime seen in more densely populated or tourist-heavy regions. Seasonal factors, such as the start of summer and school holidays, may also have contributed to the 26.1% share of violence and sexual offences, though this remains 51% below the UK average. The interplay of these local dynamics—ranging from community policing efforts to the area’s physical layout—likely explains why Wickford’s crime profile remains distinct from the UK’s overall picture.

May 2024 saw a 200% surge in burglary, jumping from 4 to 12 incidents, a stark contrast to the 38% UK average for this category. This spike may reflect seasonal patterns, such as increased outdoor activity and property visibility during longer evenings. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 29.4%, potentially due to improved community engagement or seasonal shifts in vandalism timing. Violence and sexual offences, though the most common category (26.1% of total crimes), remain 51% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This divergence suggests local factors—such as the area’s commuter demographics or community policing efforts—may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. Residents might find the 100% increase in possession of weapons (from 0 to 1 incident) noteworthy. The 38% UK average for shoplifting, despite Wickford’s 38% below, underscores the area’s lower retail crime profile, linked to its suburban retail mix rather than high-traffic commercial zones.

Wickford's crime rate in May 2024 rose 16.4% from 4.5 to 5.2 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase in the area’s monthly rate this year. While this shift suggests a slight uptick in overall crime, the area remains 38.1% below the UK average of 8.4. Daily crime figures show 5 reported incidents per day on average, a manageable frequency for a built-up area with a population of 27,406. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 193 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national benchmarks. This statistic places Wickford in a category of areas where crime is infrequent enough to be a minor concern for most residents, though the increase from April warrants monitoring. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that even with the rise, Wickford’s crime environment remains distinct from the UK average, where rates are consistently higher across most categories.