South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers, a built-up area within Chelmsford, recorded a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, 50.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate, while a 23.1% increase from September’s 3.2, remains exceptionally low by national standards. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (40.6% of total), followed by shoplifting (20.3%) and criminal damage (10.9%). Seasonal factors, including darker evenings and Halloween, likely influenced these patterns, with shoplifting surging as a potential response to increased foot traffic and seasonal spending. The area’s low overall crime rate, despite the monthly increase, aligns with its character as a suburban or commuter-focused community, where property crime and public order offences are relatively rare. Violence and sexual offences, though the leading category, remain 40% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community initiatives. Conversely, shoplifting’s sharp rise highlights vulnerabilities in retail security, possibly exacerbated by October’s shorter days and seasonal events. The balance between property and violent crime also reflects the area’s demographics, with fewer incidents of burglary or vehicle crime—categories typically higher in urban centres—indicating a safer environment for residents. These trends, while influenced by seasonal shifts, underscore the area’s resilience in maintaining low crime rates despite the upward movement in October.

October 2024 saw a stark spike in shoplifting, rising from 3 to 13 incidents—a 333% increase—possibly linked to Halloween and seasonal retail activity. This surge, while significant, contrasts with a 66.7% drop in drug-related crimes, which fell from 3 to 1. The shift in crime mix also highlights a 40.6% share of violent crimes, slightly below the UK average, yet violence and sexual offences remained the most common category. Meanwhile, burglary—a previously absent category—emerged with one reported incident, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in property security. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 20%, from 5 to 4 cases, possibly reflecting community engagement during October events. These changes illustrate a dynamic local crime profile, where seasonal factors and targeted enforcement may influence trends.

South Woodham Ferrers’ crime rate rose by 23.1% in October 2024, from 3.2 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase in the past year. While this shift is notable, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, with a 50.6% lower rate. Locally, this translates to roughly 2 crimes reported per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area’s low overall crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 251 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. Contextually, the population of 16,056 means that individual risk remains minimal. Comparing daily crime counts to other areas is not possible without UK-specific data, but the local context suggests that community-focused policing and low population density may contribute to sustained safety. This increase, however, highlights the need for vigilance during October’s darker evenings and seasonal events like Halloween, which could temporarily influence crime patterns.