South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2024, South Woodham Ferrers recorded 59 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents — 54.9% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure, while modest in absolute terms, reflects the area’s unique demographic and geographic profile as a built-up area within Chelmsford, where population density is lower than in major urban centres but higher than in surrounding rural districts. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences (23 incidents, 39% of total), a category that remains 48% below the UK average. This may be partly explained by the area’s role as a commuter suburb, where transient populations and limited nightlife contribute to lower rates of violent crime compared to city centres. Property crimes accounted for 34% of total incidents, with criminal damage and arson (8 cases) and public order offences (7 cases) also notable. Seasonal factors may have played a role: August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and empty homes, which could theoretically raise burglary risks. However, the area’s burglary rate (3.4 per 1,000) is 69% below the UK average, suggesting that local measures — such as community policing or home security initiatives — may be effective. The relatively low crime rate also aligns with the area’s character as a quieter, more residential community compared to larger urban hubs, though the sharp rise in public order offences raises questions about localized pressures that require further investigation.

August 2024 marked a stark contrast in crime trends, with public order offences increasing by 600% (from 1 to 7) — the most dramatic monthly jump in the area’s recorded history. This surge, while notable, remains 37% below the UK average for the category. Simultaneously, vehicle crime plummeted by 91.7% (from 12 to 1), a drop that may reflect reduced traffic during school holidays or seasonal changes in activity patterns. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted: violent offences (23) accounted for 39% of total crimes, compared to property crimes (20) at 34%, a slight increase in the share of violent crime. Bicycle theft, which rose by 100% (from 0 to 2), is the only category above the UK average (11% higher), suggesting a potential link to increased cycling during warmer weather. These fluctuations highlight how specific local factors — such as the area’s proximity to Chelmsford’s commuter routes — can influence crime patterns in ways that diverge from national trends.

South Woodham Ferrers saw a 4.9% decrease in its crime rate from 3.9 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents between July and August 2024. This downward trend aligns with a broader pattern of stability in the area, though the rate remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported in August — a figure that, while low, underscores the area’s relative safety. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 272 residents, a ratio that reflects the small population and low overall crime numbers. When scaled to the local context, this means that the likelihood of a resident being directly affected by crime in any given month is minimal, though spikes in specific categories like public order offences highlight areas for further attention. The population size of 16,056 also means that even modest increases in crime can be proportionally significant, as seen in the 600% rise in public order incidents. These figures illustrate how localized trends can diverge from national averages, particularly in areas with distinct social or geographic characteristics.