Thundersley and South Benfleet Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Thundersley and South Benfleet's crime profile in July 2024, accounting for 41.5% of all reported incidents — 105 cases out of 253 total crimes. This category alone was 23% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000, despite being the most common crime type locally. The area's overall crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents remained 38.1% below the national average of 8.4, a position reinforced by consistently low rates in categories like anti-social behaviour (72% below UK average) and criminal damage (37% below). The summer season appears to have influenced patterns: while violence and sexual offences remained elevated, shoplifting (10.7% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (13.4%) showed contrasting trends. Vehicle crime, at 0.7 per 1,000, was 52% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased traffic during peak summer months and festivals. Conversely, theft from the person — at 0.4 per 1,000 — was 100% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the area's suburban character with fewer crowded public spaces. This mix of high and low rates illustrates the combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, with the built-up area's proximity to Castle Point's commuter routes likely contributing to vehicle crime trends.

July 2024 saw a 240% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 10 to 34 incidents. This surge may partly explain a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes now comprising 40% of total offences (100 out of 253) compared to 41.5% for violent crimes. Vehicle crime in the area is 52% above the UK average, a stark contrast to other categories like anti-social behaviour, which is 72% below the national rate. The 300% increase in 'other crime' — from 1 to 4 incidents — highlights an emerging trend warranting closer attention. Residents may find the 34 vehicle crime incidents particularly concerning, as this category has more than doubled compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 20%, from 5 to 4 cases, suggesting a possible seasonal dip in residential property crime during peak summer months.

Thundersley and South Benfleet's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 36.8% compared to June, moving from 3.8 to 5.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 38.1% below the UK average of 8.4. On a daily basis, 8 crimes were reported each day in July, reflecting a consistent local rhythm of activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 191 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 48,269. This monthly exposure rate suggests that while crime is present, it remains proportionally low compared to national benchmarks. The population context also highlights that the area's relatively sparse distribution of incidents may be influenced by its built-up yet suburban character, where community engagement and local policing could play a role in maintaining lower crime levels despite seasonal fluctuations.