Witham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Witham recorded 174 crimes across a population of 24,838, translating to a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 — 12.5% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while not alarmingly high, reflects the persistent nature of crime in a built-up area where community density and social interactions create both opportunities and challenges for law enforcement. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.8% of all incidents. This category's rate of 3.1 per 1,000 — 12% above the UK average — highlights the disproportionate impact of violent crime in Witham compared to the national picture. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category at 12.6%, stood at 0.9 per 1,000 — 32% below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts to manage disruptive behaviour may be yielding results. The seasonal context of May, with its extended evenings and increased outdoor socialising, likely contributed to the spike in public order offences, which rose sharply by 225% compared to the previous month. This increase aligns with patterns seen in similar towns during the spring, where warmer weather and longer daylight hours correlate with higher rates of public disorder. Despite these fluctuations, Witham's overall crime rate remains comfortably below the UK average, indicating that local policing strategies and community initiatives may be effectively mitigating broader national trends. The balance between violent and property crimes in Witham also differs from the UK profile, with a stronger emphasis on interpersonal conflicts than on theft or burglary. This could be influenced by the area's demographics, which may include a higher proportion of younger residents or those engaged in social activities that increase exposure to conflict. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) further suggest that Witham's built-up environment, while not immune to crime, benefits from factors such as good street lighting, community surveillance, or local business engagement that reduce opportunities for property-related offences. Overall, the data illustrates a town where crime is present but manageable, with specific areas for improvement — particularly in addressing the rise in public order offences — that require targeted interventions.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 225% increase in public order offences, rising from four to thirteen incidents. This spike, coupled with a 75% rise in 'other crime' (from four to seven), suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.8% of all crimes — 12% above the UK average. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by two-thirds (from nine to three), and theft from the person dropped by two-thirds (from three to one), indicating potential success in targeted policing efforts. The sharp contrast between categories — such as anti-social behaviour being 32% below the UK average — underscores the uneven distribution of crime risks across different offence types. For residents, the 225% rise in public order offences is a clear signal to remain vigilant in public spaces during the longer evenings of May.

Witham's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 6.9% compared to April's 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. Daily crime statistics show an average of six reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the consistent presence of criminal activity in the area. When scaled to the local population of 24,838, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 143 residents — a ratio that contextualises the impact of crime on the community. This monthly aggregate highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, though it remains significantly below the UK average. The relatively low volume of crimes, combined with the area's built-up nature, suggests that localised factors such as community engagement and policing strategies may be contributing to the overall safety profile.