Witham Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Witham’s crime profile in September 2024 reveals a distinct balance of crime types that diverges from the UK average. The area recorded 6.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 10.4% below the UK’s 7.7 rate. This overall figure masks a nuanced distribution: violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.9% of all crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (2.9 per 1,000 in Witham). This dominance of violent crime may reflect the area’s urban character and the presence of younger demographics, such as university students, who are often associated with higher rates of interpersonal offences. Other theft also stood out, at 11.1% of total crimes (0.8 per 1,000), a 51% increase above the UK average. This could be linked to the area’s retail presence, which may attract opportunistic thieves. Conversely, anti-social behaviour remained 40% below the UK average, suggesting effective community interventions or a lower prevalence of disruptive public conduct. Seasonal factors in September—such as the return to school and university freshers’ week—may have amplified certain crime types, particularly violent incidents, while shoplifting and burglary saw reductions. The latter could be attributed to heightened awareness during the back-to-school period or increased police presence in high-risk areas. This mix of crime types illustrates an area where violent crime is a persistent concern, but property-related offences are relatively contained compared to national trends. Understanding this balance is critical for local authorities and residents alike, as it highlights both areas of risk and potential success in crime prevention strategies.

September 2024 saw a sharp 72.7% increase in other theft, rising from 11 to 19 cases. This surge, paired with a 14.3% rise in violence and sexual offences, suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Meanwhile, shoplifting plummeted by 62.8%, dropping from 43 to 16 cases—a stark contrast to the previous month. This decline may reflect heightened awareness during the back-to-school season or seasonal retail strategies. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.7 per 1,000, remains 40% below the UK average, a consistent trend that could indicate effective community policing. The 51% increase in other theft compared to the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability in Witham’s crime profile. Residents might find the drop in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it directly impacts local businesses and consumer confidence.

Witham's crime rate in September 2024 fell to 6.9 per 1,000 residents, a 16.9% decrease from August’s 8.3 rate. This decline aligns with the seasonal rhythm of the month, as school and university terms begin, potentially reducing opportunities for certain types of crime. On a daily basis, Witham recorded approximately 6 crimes per day in September, translating to one reported crime for every 144 residents over the month. This monthly exposure rate offers a tangible measure of risk for residents, placing it in context with the local population of 24,838. Compared to the UK average, Witham’s overall crime rate remains 10.4% lower, a consistent trend that reflects the area’s unique characteristics. The built-up nature of Witham, combined with its proximity to Braintree’s broader infrastructure, may contribute to this relative safety, though local factors such as community engagement and policing strategies likely play a role in sustaining this position.