Dacorum Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dacorum’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of local factors and broader national trends, with notable variations across crime types. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the most common category, accounting for 30.3% of all reported crimes, followed by violence and sexual offences (24.3%) and shoplifting (12.0%). These figures highlight a persistent focus on community-related issues, which may be influenced by the area’s mix of urban and rural environments. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and increased tourism—likely contributes to patterns such as the elevated anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates. In contrast, categories like violence and sexual offences were 35% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or demographic characteristics may mitigate certain risks. The data also reveals that shoplifting rates in Dacorum were 50% above the UK average, linked to the presence of retail hubs or high-foot-traffic areas. This contrast between above and below-average categories underscores the complexity of managing crime in a diverse district. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, the specific challenges in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting indicate areas requiring targeted intervention. The seasonal nature of July, with its festivals and outdoor events, may amplify pressures on public order, necessitating coordinated efforts between local authorities and community groups to address these issues effectively.

July 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons increased by 100% compared to June, rising from five to ten incidents—a sharp spike that may reflect heightened enforcement or seasonal factors. Robbery also rose by 66.7%, climbing from six to ten cases, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in public spaces. Conversely, burglary dropped by 41.2%, falling from 68 to 40 incidents, possibly due to increased security measures or seasonal patterns. Public order offences decreased by 35.2%, aligning with a general trend of reduced disorder during summer months. Anti-social behaviour remains a standout issue, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000—55% above the UK average. This statistic underscores a persistent challenge for local authorities, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or community events. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences in Dacorum were 35% below the UK average, indicating a relatively safer environment in this category compared to the national picture.

Dacorum’s crime rate in July 2023 dropped 8.5% from June’s 8.0 per 1,000 to 7.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with broader patterns observed in the area over recent months. On a daily basis, the district recorded an average of 38 crimes per day in July, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the local community. When considering the monthly exposure, one reported crime occurred for every 137 residents over the course of the month. This ratio provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, placing Dacorum’s experience in perspective against the UK average. The population context—161,420 residents—means that crime is distributed across a relatively large and diverse area, potentially diluting the impact of concentrated incidents in specific neighbourhoods. These figures, while localised, offer insight into the balance between public safety and the challenges of managing crime in a district with both urban and rural characteristics.