Witham Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Witham's built-up area recorded 180 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents—9.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, when scaled to Witham's population of 24,838, represents a moderate level of criminal activity for a town with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences (83 incidents, 46.1% of total), a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 that is 17% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed with 17 incidents (9.4% of total), significantly below the national average (51% lower). Seasonal factors in May—such as bank holidays and extended evenings—likely contribute to patterns of increased socialising and associated incidents. The relatively low rates of property crimes (49 total) and the absence of major spikes in burglary or vehicle crime contrast with the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement in these areas. The town's crime profile, while showing some areas of concern like drug-related offences (9 incidents, 43% above UK average), overall aligns with a safer-than-average environment for a similarly sized area.

May 2025 saw a 500% surge in 'Other crime' incidents, rising from 1 to 6, a spike that may reflect unclassified or emerging forms of criminal activity. Concurrently, drug-related offences jumped 125% (4 to 9), a figure that could signal shifting patterns in illicit activity or increased reporting. Bicycle theft doubled from 1 to 2, linked to May's longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising. Conversely, shoplifting dropped 57.1% (21 to 9), a decline that may correlate with seasonal retail patterns or improved security measures. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly above the UK average (3.3 vs 2.8 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour was 51% below the national rate (0.7 vs 1.4 per 1,000). These divergent trends highlight the combination of local conditions and broader national crime profiles.

Witham's crime rate in May 2025 rose 16.9% compared to April's 6.2 per 1,000, reaching 7.3 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, translates to roughly 6 crimes reported daily in the built-up area—a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 138 residents, a monthly exposure rate that aligns with the area's moderate population density and community size. When scaled to Witham's 24,838 residents, the 180 total crimes represent a manageable but notable level of activity for a town with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics. The daily crime count, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for consistent local policing and community engagement strategies, particularly as seasonal factors like extended evenings and bank holidays may influence patterns of public behaviour.