Witham Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Witham’s crime profile in January 2025 presented a distinct profile, marked by an 11.3% reduction in the overall rate compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000 residents. The area recorded 157 crimes, with violence and sexual offences (61 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (22 incidents) dominating the breakdown, accounting for nearly 53% of all reported crimes. This concentration of violent and disorderly incidents contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically hold a larger share. Seasonal factors likely influenced these trends: post-holiday periods often see a dip in retail-related crimes, which may explain the 35% below-average rate for shoplifting (10 incidents). However, the surge in 'Other crime'—which rose to 12 incidents, 178% above the UK average—introduced an unexpected outlier. This category, which includes unclassified or lesser-known offences, may reflect unaddressed issues or reporting inconsistencies. The data also revealed that criminal damage and arson (16 incidents) and other theft (15 incidents) exceeded UK averages by 18% and 22%, respectively, pointing to localized challenges in property-related crimes. These findings, while illustrative of Witham’s unique context, remain consistent with broader patterns observed in similar built-up areas during colder months.

January 2025 saw stark fluctuations in specific crime categories, with 'Other crime' surging by 500% compared to the previous month, rising from 2 to 12 incidents. This category, which is 178% above the UK average, suggests emerging patterns that warrant closer scrutiny. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, increasing by 266.7% to 22 incidents, a figure that may reflect seasonal factors such as post-holiday gatherings or colder weather influencing social dynamics. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 75% (from 8 to 2), likely tied to reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which curtail opportunities for such offences. Shoplifting remained 35% below the UK average, with only 10 incidents reported, a trend consistent with lower pedestrian traffic in January. These shifts illustrate how month-on-month changes can highlight both local vulnerabilities and the influence of broader environmental factors.

Witham’s crime rate in January 2025 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, a 3.1% decrease from the previous month’s 6.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical January trends, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may temper outdoor crimes. Daily crime figures for the month averaged approximately 5 incidents per day, reflecting a steady but manageable level of activity. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 158 residents, a metric that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. This rate is lower than the UK average, which highlights Witham’s relative safety compared to national benchmarks. The population context further underscores that, despite fluctuations, the area remains within a range consistent with its demographic profile. These figures provide a clear snapshot of how crime manifests in a built-up area during a post-holiday period, where seasonal factors may influence both the frequency and type of incidents recorded.