Ely Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ely's crime rate in October 2024 remained significantly lower than the UK average, with 4.8 crimes per 1,000 residents — a 40.7% reduction compared to the national figure of 8.1. This continued trend reflects the area's character as a historic market town with a relatively low population density and strong community presence. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 43.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.3%) and shoplifting (10.6%). These figures align with patterns observed in similar small towns, where interpersonal crimes often outnumber property crimes. The seasonal context of October, marked by shorter days and Halloween, may have influenced patterns of violence and anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting rates in Ely remained 31% below the UK average, potentially linked to the town's retail presence being concentrated in a few high-street locations rather than sprawling commercial zones. This suggests that targeted policing in key areas may contribute to sustained low levels of theft. The overall crime profile indicates a community where proactive local engagement and limited commercial density help mitigate risks typically associated with larger urban centres.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with burglary rates surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents) — a sharp increase that contrasts with the town's generally low property crime history. This spike, though still below the UK average for burglary (0.3 per 1,000), may partly reflect seasonal factors such as Halloween-related activity or increased residential vulnerability during darker evenings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 13% (from 23 to 20 incidents), a trend consistent with the area's character as a tightly knit community where local interventions could have a measurable impact. Other theft also declined by 30% (from 10 to 7), suggesting ongoing effectiveness in crime prevention strategies targeting retail areas. While violent crime rates in Ely (2.1 per 1,000) remain 21% below the UK average, the absolute number of incidents (54) underscores the need for continued focus on community safety initiatives. The complete absence of drug-related crimes in October, despite a 100% increase from zero to one incident, highlights the unpredictable nature of such offences in small towns. These fluctuations demonstrate the importance of maintaining vigilance even in areas with historically low crime rates.

Ely's October 2024 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 14% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.2, reflecting a slight uptick in overall criminal activity. This translates to roughly four crimes reported per day — a manageable frequency for a town of Ely's size (25,642 residents). Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 208 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. When compared to the UK average, Ely's residents experience crime at a rate nearly half that of the national average, a disparity that underscores the town's unique characteristics. The low crime density may be partly attributable to Ely's compact built-up area, which limits opportunities for certain types of crime compared to larger urban centres. However, the 14% monthly increase highlights the need for continued monitoring, particularly given the sharp rise in burglary. This contrast between Ely's generally low crime profile and the recent uptick in specific categories illustrates the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. For residents, the 1-in-208 monthly exposure figure provides a tangible benchmark for understanding the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives.