Weymouth Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Weymouth during August 2023, 11.8 crimes were reported—45.7% higher than the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate translates to a 1-in-85 chance of a resident experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (33.4%) and criminal damage and arson (7.0%). These patterns align with August's role as a peak holiday month, when increased tourism and empty homes likely contribute to heightened risks. The local rate for violence and sexual offences (4.2 per 1,000) was 59% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (3.9 per 1,000) was 171% above national levels. This stark contrast with the UK's lower rates for vehicle crime (59% below) and other theft (37% below) suggests that Weymouth's unique mix of residential areas and tourist attractions creates specific risk profiles. Seasonal factors—such as extended evenings, increased foot traffic in high streets, and vacant properties during the summer holidays—may partly explain the elevated rates of violence and property crime. However, whether these factors are the sole drivers, as local demographics and policing strategies could also play a role.

August 2023 saw a 300% increase in robbery compared to July, with incidents rising from 1 to 4. Theft from the person also doubled, jumping from 0 to 3, while burglary rose by 87.5% (8 to 15). These sharp increases contrast with declines in vehicle crime (-33.3%, 12 to 8) and bicycle theft (-28.6%, 7 to 5). The violent crime category, at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, was 59% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Weymouth's coastal location and summer tourism. Anti-social behaviour, at 3.9 per 1,000, was 171% above the UK rate, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and other theft were lower than national averages, with vehicle crime 59% below the UK rate. Residents might find the 87.5% increase in burglary particularly concerning, as it could signal vulnerabilities in home security during the summer months when properties are often unoccupied.

Weymouth's crime rate in August 2023 (11.8 per 1,000) marked a 15.3% increase from July's rate of 10.2 per 1,000. This rise translates to approximately 20 reported crimes per day—a local figure that does not have a direct UK counterpart. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 85 residents experienced a reported crime, a monthly aggregate that does not convert to a daily frequency. The population context is critical: with 53,632 residents, the 632 total crimes represent a density of risk that is 45.7% higher than the UK average. While the previous month's rate was already elevated, the August figures suggest a compounding effect of seasonal factors. The local rate for anti-social behaviour, at 3.9 per 1,000, was 171% above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge in managing public order. Conversely, vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) was 59% below the UK rate, possibly due to Weymouth's lower density of car parks and higher levels of community engagement in local policing. This mixed picture underscores the need for tailored strategies that address high-risk categories while leveraging strengths in areas where local rates are below national averages.