Littleport Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected shift in May 2024 was the 700% surge in criminal damage and arson, a category that had previously accounted for only one incident in April. This dramatic increase, from one to eight reported cases, contrasts sharply with the stability of other violent crime types. Littleport's overall crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents places it 2.4% above the UK average, a narrow margin that suggests local factors may partly explain the discrepancy. Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type, contributing 32.1% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (14.8%) and anti-social behaviour (11.1%). The seasonal context of May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely influences patterns of public disorder and property crime. While shoplifting rates are 103% above the UK average, this may reflect the town's retail presence and foot traffic in its high streets. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed towards property offences, with 46.9% of all crimes falling into this category compared to 32.1% for violence. This mix may be consistent with Littleport's character as a built-up area within East Cambridgeshire, where commercial activity and community interactions shape crime dynamics.

The most striking month-on-month change was the 700% increase in criminal damage and arson, jumping from one to eight incidents. This spike raises questions about potential catalysts, such as seasonal events or changes in local enforcement patterns. Public order offences also rose sharply by 150%, from two to five cases, possibly linked to the extended evenings and increased socialising typical of May. Other theft saw a 125% increase, growing from four to nine incidents, which may indicate targeted opportunistic crime. Shoplifting remains significantly above the UK average (103%), with 12 cases recorded—double the national rate for this category. Burglary, at seven cases, is 126% above the UK average, suggesting vulnerabilities in residential security or patterns tied to Littleport's built-up area. The contrast between these spikes and the 31% UK deficit in anti-social behaviour (nine cases) highlights a combination of local factors. For residents, the 103% shoplifting surplus underscores the need for vigilance in retail areas, where this category contributes 14.8% of all crimes.

Littleport's crime rate in May 2024 (8.6 per 1,000) represents a 97.5% increase from April's rate of 4.3 per 1,000, a shift that would be highly unusual for a built-up area. Over the course of the month, this translated to roughly three crimes per day—equivalent to one reported crime for every 117 residents. While this daily figure may seem modest, the month-on-month leap suggests a sudden change in local dynamics. Compared to the UK average, Littleport's rate is only marginally higher (2.4%), but the disparity in specific categories is stark. For instance, shoplifting's 103% surplus over the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) and burglary's 126% surplus (0.3 per 1,000) indicate structural differences in crime patterns. These figures must be contextualised within Littleport's population of 9,448, where even a small absolute number can represent a significant proportion of the community. The 1-in-117 monthly exposure rate may feel disproportionate to some residents, particularly those in areas with higher foot traffic or commercial activity. This comparison underscores the need for targeted local strategies rather than broad UK-wide benchmarks.