Weymouth Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Weymouth’s population of 53,632 experienced 471 reported crimes in September 2023, equating to a crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 10% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a discrepancy that reflects the unique dynamics of a coastal resort town. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (29.1%) and criminal damage and arson (8.7%). These patterns may be influenced by the area’s seasonal context: September marks the transition from summer tourism to the academic term, with university freshers arriving and nights drawing in. The high rate of anti-social behaviour, 94% above the UK average, could be linked to increased social interactions in public spaces during the early term. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of vehicle crime (58% below the UK average) may reflect the town’s compact layout and limited car-centric infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the overall crime rate has decreased by 25.5% compared to August, suggesting that local efforts to address specific issues—such as burglary and public order offences—may have yielded results. However, the persistence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour underscores the need for continued focus on community engagement and targeted policing strategies.

September 2023 saw an 80% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 5 to 9 incidents. This spike aligns with the start of the academic term, as students and commuters return to the area, potentially increasing opportunities for theft. Concurrently, other theft rose by 45.5%, from 22 to 32 cases, suggesting a broader trend in property-related crimes. Conversely, burglary fell by 60%, from 15 to 6 incidents, possibly reflecting heightened security measures during the school term. Anti-social behaviour remained high, with rates 94% above the UK average, though public order offences dropped by 55.8%—a shift that may correlate with the reduction in summer crowds. The rate of violence and sexual offences (3.2 per 1,000) was 17% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in addressing violent crime. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local crime patterns.

Weymouth’s September 2023 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 25.5% decrease from the previous month’s 11.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a shift in seasonal rhythms, as the area transitions from summer tourism to the start of the academic term. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 114 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. Daily crime activity averaged 16 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the prior month, remains a tangible presence for residents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Weymouth’s rate, though above the UK average, has seen a notable reduction in specific categories such as burglary and public order offences. This suggests that local factors—such as increased community engagement during the school term—may have contributed to the downward trend. However, the persistence of high rates in violence and anti-social behaviour indicates that these areas remain critical for targeted interventions.