South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers recorded a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in April 2023, 33.3% below the UK average of 7.5. This marks the area as significantly safer than the national benchmark. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.8% of all reported incidents—2.2 per 1,000 residents, 15% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed at 17.5%, and criminal damage and arson contributed 13.8% at 0.7 per 1,000, a 15% increase above the UK average of 0.6. These figures suggest a mixed profile, with some categories aligning with broader UK trends while others diverge. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as April’s Easter period and spring weather typically correlate with increased outdoor activity, potentially influencing violence and anti-social behaviour rates. The area’s lower-than-average overall crime rate may reflect its status as a built-up district within Chelmsford, where urban infrastructure and community engagement might contribute to reduced crime. However, the elevated rate of criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average hints at localized pressures, tied to seasonal maintenance or property-related issues. This data underscores the importance of contextual analysis when interpreting crime statistics, as national averages may not fully capture regional nuances.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with anti-social behaviour surging by 366.7% (3 to 14 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 175% (4 to 11). Robbery also doubled from zero to two cases, highlighting emerging concerns. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 80% (5 to 1), and shoplifting dropped by 70% (10 to 3), reflecting possible shifts in criminal activity or policing effectiveness. The crime mix shifted toward property-related incidents, with violent crimes (35) accounting for 43.8% of total reports—slightly below the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson, at 0.7 per 1,000, exceeded the UK average by 15%, suggesting localized factors such as seasonal property neglect or targeted vandalism. These trends may align with Easter-related disruptions or increased foot traffic in public spaces. For residents, the 366.7% spike in anti-social behaviour underscores a need for community vigilance, particularly in areas with high transient populations or during extended public holidays.

The crime rate in April 2023 (5.0 per 1,000) marked a 21.2% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.1, yet remained 33.3% below the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged 3 incidents per day, translating to a monthly exposure rate of 1 in 201 residents—significantly lower than many comparable areas. With a population of 16,056, the local context suggests that even with the upward trend, the area’s crime burden remains manageable. The 1-in-201 monthly exposure figure indicates that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime directly, though localized spikes in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage may affect specific neighbourhoods. This contrast with the UK average highlights South Woodham Ferrers’ relative safety, potentially influenced by its integration within Chelmsford’s broader urban infrastructure, which may offer greater policing resources or community cohesion. The 21.2% month-on-month increase, while notable, does not yet signal a long-term trend, and the area’s overall crime profile continues to diverge from national patterns, particularly in categories like violence and shoplifting.