Bexley Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 marked a notable shift in Bexley’s crime profile, with the most significant change being the sharp rise in theft from the person—a category that surged by 76.9% compared to October. This increase, though still below the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), may have been influenced by the timing of Black Friday sales, which often sees a spike in opportunistic theft. The overall crime rate for the month stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, 12% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This relatively low rate positions Bexley as a safer area than the national average, though local patterns reveal a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category (28% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.3%). These figures may reflect the area’s character as a mixed-use district with a strong retail presence, which can drive both violent incidents and anti-social conduct. Seasonal factors also played a role, as the darker evenings of November likely impacted outdoor crime, while the proximity of Bonfire Night may have influenced fluctuations in shoplifting and public order offences. The month’s crime profile suggests a balance between urban dynamics and community-focused policing efforts, though the rise in theft from the person underscores the need for continued vigilance in high-traffic retail areas.

The most dramatic shift in November 2023 was the 76.9% increase in theft from the person, rising from 13 to 23 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), may partly reflect the timing of Black Friday shopping, which often sees a spike in opportunistic theft. Concurrently, burglary rose by 43.5% (69 to 99), a jump that contrasts with the 18% above UK average rate for this category. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 40% (from 10 to 6), a decrease that may align with the quieter nature of November compared to summer months. Anti-social behaviour remained near the UK average (1.1 per 1,000), but its share of total crimes (16.3%) highlights its persistent role in Bexley’s crime profile. Shoplifting dropped by 12.5% (120 to 105), influenced by the reduced foot traffic associated with Bonfire Night and the onset of winter.

Bexley's overall crime rate in November 2023 fell by 2.5% compared to the previous month, standing at 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in late autumn months, though local factors may influence the shift. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 56 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity within Bexley’s population of 256,434. When considering monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 153 residents over the course of November—a ratio that underscores the relative safety of the area compared to national averages. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it reflects the proportion of the population affected by crime on a monthly basis, independent of daily fluctuations. The slight reduction in crime rate may partly reflect seasonal patterns, with shorter evenings and reduced retail activity in November dampening opportunities for certain types of crime.