Weston (Dorset) Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Weston (Dorset) recorded 35 crimes in January 2024, equating to a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 10.8% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively safer environment compared to national benchmarks. The most common crime type was anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 45.7% of all incidents (16 cases) and was 203% above the UK average. This anomaly may be linked to the area’s built-up character, where dense populations and limited public spaces could contribute to higher levels of disruptive behaviour. Violence and sexual offences (10 cases, 28.6% of total) were 27% below the UK average, due to reduced foot traffic during the post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours limiting opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting (4 cases, 11.4%) was 40% above the UK average, a trend consistent with small urban centres where retail outlets may be concentrated. Seasonal factors, such as the end of the festive season and colder weather, likely influenced the overall crime profile, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of January. The low burglary rate (1 case, 2.9%)—44% below the UK average—suggests effective residential security measures, though the 100% increase in burglary from December to January raises questions about potential vulnerabilities during the month. These patterns underscore the combination of local demographics, geography, and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime dynamics.

January 2024 saw a sharp 300% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from one to four cases. This jump, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary, suggests potential vulnerabilities in local retail and residential security during the post-holiday period. Conversely, public order offences fell by 50%, possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 45.7% of all reported incidents. This category was 203% above the UK average, a stark contrast to violent crimes, which were 27% below the national rate. Such disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas prone to anti-social conduct, while the drop in public order offences may indicate a seasonal trend. For residents, the 10.8% reduction in overall crime compared to the UK average offers a relative measure of safety, though localized spikes in specific crime types warrant attention.

Weston (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, a 10.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.4 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with typical post-holiday patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may lower opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 151 residents, illustrating the relative frequency of incidents in a community of 5,300 people. This monthly exposure rate, while low compared to national averages, highlights the importance of localised crime prevention efforts. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that even modest changes in crime numbers can have measurable impacts on residents’ sense of safety, particularly when specific crime types—like anti-social behaviour—surge above national benchmarks.