Bishop's Stortford Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bishop's Stortford's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.4% below the UK average of 7.6. This figure reflects a generally low-crime environment, though the data reveals specific patterns that warrant attention. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.7% of all crimes, the highest proportion, a trend consistent with the town's mix of residential and commercial areas where such incidents are more likely to occur. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 22.3%, a category that often spikes in areas with high foot traffic or social hubs. Shoplifting, at 14.2%, rose sharply in line with Black Friday shopping activity, illustrating how seasonal events can directly influence crime rates. The town's lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as burglary (35% below UK average) and vehicle crime (32% below) suggest effective community policing and possibly robust local security measures. However, the 26% gap between Bishop's Stortford's anti-social behaviour rate and the UK average indicates persistent challenges in managing public order. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the transition to darker evenings may have contributed to increased incidents of violence and public disorder. The overall profile suggests a town where crime is generally low but where targeted interventions may be needed in specific areas, particularly those with higher foot traffic or seasonal activity.

November 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in theft from the person, with incidents rising from one to four. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night, which often sees increased foot traffic and potential for opportunistic crime. Shoplifting also surged by 143.8%, jumping from 16 to 39 incidents. This aligns with Black Friday shopping activity, which typically drives retail crime in market towns. Conversely, burglary fell by 61.1%, with incidents dropping from 18 to seven, possibly due to increased police patrols or improved security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained higher than the UK average, with a 26% gap, suggesting ongoing challenges in managing public order. The data also shows a 100% decrease in bicycle theft, reflecting improved cycle storage or reduced commuter activity during the month. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local and seasonal influences on crime patterns.

Bishop's Stortford's crime rate rose slightly from 6.0 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, marking a 3.8% increase from the previous month. This shift, though modest, suggests a small uptick in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately nine crimes per day, a figure that reflects the town's population density and urban characteristics. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for every 161 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents considering their personal risk exposure. When compared to the UK average, Bishop's Stortford remains significantly safer, with its rate 18.4% below the national average. This gap underscores the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives, though the slight month-on-month rise indicates the need for continued vigilance. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while crime is lower than the UK norm, the absolute number of incidents still requires attention, particularly in areas experiencing specific spikes such as theft from the person.