Witham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 marked a stark contrast in Witham's crime profile, with violent crime far outpacing property crime for the first time in recent records. The overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11.4% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting Witham's status as a relatively low-crime built-up area within Braintree. However, the breakdown revealed a troubling imbalance: violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.9% of all incidents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This dominance of violent crime over property crime—despite a 65% reduction in shoplifting—suggests shifting dynamics in local crime patterns. Seasonal factors likely contributed, as Christmas shopping and holiday-related absences may have created opportunities for burglaries and other crimes. The UK average for burglary is 0.3 per 1,000, yet Witham recorded 0.4 per 1,000, a 43% increase from November, highlighting the need for targeted measures in residential areas. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences remained below UK averages, possibly due to the area's smaller scale and community-focused policing efforts. These figures, when viewed alongside the 11.4% UK comparison, illustrate Witham's unique position as a place where violent crime remains a pressing concern despite overall lower rates compared to the national average.

December 2025 saw a dramatic 266.7% increase in burglary, rising from three to 11 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 250% rise in 'other crime' and a 100% increase in theft from the person, signals a shift in crime patterns. Violent crime remained the most prevalent category, contributing 42.9% of all reported incidents—5% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Meanwhile, shoplifting dropped by 40% to six incidents, and vehicle crime fell by two-thirds to three cases, possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic during the Christmas period. The contrast between rising burglaries and falling shoplifting highlights the seasonal impact of empty homes during holidays and the potential influence of local economic factors on retail crime.

Witham's crime rate in December 2025 rose by 4.7% compared to November's 5.9 per 1,000, reaching 6.2 per 1,000. This places it 11.4% below the UK average, though the upward trend suggests local factors may be influencing the numbers. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Monthly exposure reveals that one crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a ratio that underscores the relative safety of the built-up area despite the seasonal spike in certain categories. The population of 24,838 means that the impact of individual crimes is diluted across a broader base, though the rise in violent crime and burglary may still draw attention from local authorities and community groups.