South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers, a built-up area within Chelmsford, reported a crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents in September 2023, placing it 51.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark divergence highlights the area’s distinct crime profile, where violent crimes dominate despite overall low rates. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 51.6% of all reported incidents, with 32 cases recorded. This category, though high locally, remains 27% below the UK average, suggesting a combination of local factors such as population density and policing strategies. Shoplifting, the second most common crime type at 12.9% (8 incidents), is also 11% below the UK average, indicating that retail-focused crime is not a major driver here. The area’s seasonal context—September marking the return to school and university freshers—may contribute to increased public interaction and, consequently, higher violence rates. However, the unusually low property crime rates, including burglary (38% below UK average) and vehicle crime (79% below), point to a community where property-related incidents are not a primary concern. This contrast with national trends raises questions about the area’s socio-economic and geographic characteristics, which may include a strong local policing presence or a demographic profile that prioritizes public safety over property protection. The low rates of anti-social behaviour (85% below UK average) further suggest that community cohesion and local initiatives could be playing a role in maintaining order. As September transitions into autumn, the interplay of seasonal factors—such as shorter evenings and the start of the academic year—may continue to influence crime patterns, though the data so far indicates a resilient local environment.

September 2023 saw a sharp 150% rise in public order offences, jumping from 2 to 5 incidents. This unexpected surge contrasts with an 80% drop in drug-related crimes, which fell from 5 to 1. Shoplifting also increased by 60%, reflecting a 3-incident rise. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 25%, though it remains well below the UK average. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences (32 incidents, 51.6% of total) dominate, yet this category is 27% below the UK average. This divergence underscores the area’s unique profile, where high violent crime coexists with exceptionally low rates in property crimes like burglary (3 incidents, 38% below UK average). The stark contrast between rising public order issues and falling drug offences may hint at shifting community dynamics.

South Woodham Ferrers recorded a crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents in September 2023, marking a 14.9% increase compared to the previous month’s rate of 3.4. This rise, though modest, reflects the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, translating to one reported crime for roughly every 259 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population of 16,056. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, the month-on-month fluctuation highlights the need for continued vigilance. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even a low crime rate can have a tangible impact on community perception, particularly when incidents cluster in specific categories. The increase in public order offences, for instance, may signal shifts in local activity or enforcement focus, though further analysis is required to confirm direct links.