Witham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Witham during September 2023 reveals a profile skewed towards violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 42.3% of all recorded crimes. This dominance, at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, places the area 20% above the UK average for this category, suggesting a higher prevalence of interpersonal crime compared to national trends. Other theft followed closely, contributing 12.4% of total incidents, while anti-social behaviour, at 10.8%, was 33% below the UK average, indicating potentially lower levels of disruptive activity in the area. The overall crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents places Witham 2.5% below the UK average, a position that may reflect the area's character as a relatively stable built-up district within Braintree. Seasonal factors, such as the return to school and university freshers' week, likely contributed to the increased activity in public order and other crime categories. The relatively low rates of burglary and shoplifting, 38% and 64% below the UK average respectively, could be attributed to the area's mix of residential and retail spaces, which may have fewer high-traffic zones prone to such offences. These patterns align with the broader UK context, where urban areas with mixed land use often see a balance between violent crime and property-related incidents, though Witham's specific profile suggests a stronger emphasis on interpersonal crime. The data also highlights the importance of contextualising local trends within the seasonal rhythm of the area, as September's transition from summer to autumn may have influenced both the types and frequencies of crimes reported.

September 2023 saw a 400% surge in 'other crime', rising from two to ten incidents, a stark shift that likely reflects seasonal factors such as back-to-school activities and freshers' week. Public order offences also jumped by 160%, increasing from five to thirteen, possibly linked to increased socialising in the evenings as nights drew in. Vehicle crime rose by 125%, from four to nine, which may indicate heightened activity in parking areas during the month. Conversely, burglary fell by 20%, from five to four, and possession of weapons dropped by 33%, from three to two, suggesting some areas of local deterrence or reduced opportunities. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.3 per 1,000, remained 20% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 33% below the national rate. These contrasts highlight the combination of local dynamics, with some crime types aligning with broader trends and others deviating significantly.

Witham's crime rate in September 2023 rose 26.0% from the previous month's 6.2 per 1,000 to 7.8 per 1,000, reflecting a shift in local patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six crimes per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a built-up area. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure rate. This ratio, while low compared to some UK regions, highlights the relative safety of Witham's population. When compared to the UK average, the area's rate remains 2.5% below, suggesting a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime despite the month-on-month increase. The population context further reveals that Witham's 24,838 residents saw a total of 194 crimes, translating to a manageable scale when distributed across the community. These figures, combined with the local character of Witham as a mixed-use area with retail and residential zones, indicate that while crime is present, it remains proportionally lower than national benchmarks.