Witham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Witham’s crime profile in November 2023, accounting for over half of all reported crimes. At 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area’s overall crime rate is 26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This stark contrast to the national trend highlights Witham’s relatively lower exposure to violent crime, though the local rate for violence and sexual offences (2.8 per 1,000) is 8% above the UK average. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and shorter evenings—may influence patterns. Property crimes, which include criminal damage and arson (15.4% of total), remain a significant concern, with this category 53% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, meanwhile, are lower than national figures, suggesting a community that may prioritise conflict resolution or have fewer incidents in public spaces. The balance between violent and property crime here differs from typical UK profiles, where property crime often dominates. This suggests Witham’s unique social dynamics, shaped by its status as a built-up area within Braintree, which may have different policing priorities or community structures compared to larger urban centres. The lower burglary and vehicle crime rates (71% and 60% below UK averages, respectively) could reflect effective local security measures or fewer opportunities for such crimes in this area.

November 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person and bicycle theft both doubled compared to the previous month, rising from 1 to 2 and 0 to 1 respectively. This sharp increase may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during Black Friday or heightened visibility of personal belongings in colder weather. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime both fell sharply—burglary dropped 80% (from 10 to 2) and vehicle crime declined 68.8% (from 16 to 5). These decreases could indicate improved home security practices or reduced opportunities for vehicle-related crimes during the month. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mixed picture against UK averages: while violence and sexual offences are 8% above the national rate, anti-social behaviour and public order offences are 62% and 43% below respectively. This divergence suggests Witham’s community may have distinct approaches to managing public disorder compared to other areas. Criminal damage and arson—accounting for 15.4% of all crimes—exceed the UK average by 53%, a figure that could warrant closer attention from local authorities. Residents should be aware that while overall crime rates remain low, specific categories like vandalism and personal theft require targeted awareness.

Witham’s crime rate in November 2023 (5.5 per 1,000) marked a 27.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.6 per 1,000, reflecting a significant downward trend. This decline aligns with the broader monthly exposure metric: over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 183 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of risk for local households. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a rate that is relatively low compared to larger urban centres but may feel more pronounced in a smaller built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Witham’s population-scaled perspective shows a clear advantage: residents are 26.7% less likely to be victims of crime than the national average. This benefit is particularly evident in property-related offences, where burglary and vehicle crime are 71% and 60% below UK rates respectively. However, the local rate for violence and sexual offences remains 8% above the national figure, a nuance that underscores the need for balanced policing strategies. For residents, these figures translate to a generally safer environment, though awareness of the higher-than-average violent crime rate may inform community safety initiatives and personal precautions.