Witham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Witham's crime rate in July 2023 remained at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.4% below the UK average of 8.3. This figure reflects a mixed landscape where violent crime (2.9 per 1,000) and other theft (0.9 per 1,000) dominate the crime profile, accounting for nearly 50% of all incidents. The seasonal context of peak summer—characterised by school holidays, tourism, and festivals—likely contributes to patterns observed, such as the surge in public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) and the notable increase in vehicle crime. Witham's status as a built-up area within Braintree, with a blend of retail, residential, and industrial zones, means crime trends often align with seasonal rhythms. For instance, the 38.3% share of violence and sexual offences may correlate with increased foot traffic in town centres during the summer. Conversely, anti-social behaviour (0.5 per 1,000) fell significantly below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), potentially reflecting effective local policing or the dispersal of transient populations during holidays. The area's relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) may be attributed to its smaller scale and the presence of community initiatives. These patterns underscore how Witham's unique character—blending urban and semi-rural elements—shapes its crime profile differently from larger cities or more isolated areas.

July 2023 saw stark contrasts in crime trends, with vehicle crime rising 180% (from 5 to 14 incidents) likely reflecting increased road traffic during the summer. Theft from the person doubled (from 2 to 4), possibly linked to festivals or outdoor events attracting crowds. Robbery, though rare, increased from 0 to 1, a 100% jump that may indicate isolated incidents during peak hours. Conversely, burglary dropped by 50% (from 12 to 6), due to seasonal absences or heightened community vigilance. Anti-social behaviour also halved (from 24 to 12), as a result of targeted enforcement during festivals. Witham's violent crime rate (2.9 per 1,000) is 4% above the UK average, a trend consistent with summer's increased foot traffic in retail areas. These shifts illustrate how seasonal dynamics can amplify or suppress specific crime types without necessarily altering the overall rate.

Witham's crime rate in July 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, increasing by just 1.6% (from 7.5 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents). This minimal fluctuation suggests consistent policing or environmental factors maintaining current levels. On a daily basis, 6 crimes were reported across the 31 days, translating to roughly 1 reported crime for every 132 residents over the month. While this figure is lower than the UK average, it reflects a local pattern shaped by Witham's character as a mixed-use town with retail, residential, and industrial zones. The daily crime count aligns with a typical summer rhythm, where tourism and festivals may temporarily elevate public order offences but not overall rates. The monthly exposure metric (1-in-132) offers a tangible perspective for residents, contextualising risk within a familiar framework of population size and local activity.