Bishop's Stortford Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2024, Bishop's Stortford recorded 260 crimes across a population of 44,015, resulting in a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents—23.4% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure translates to roughly 0.59 crimes per resident for the month, a statistic that contextualises the relatively low incidence of crime in the area. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.2%) and shoplifting (9.2%). These patterns align with the area's character as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where violent crimes may be influenced by the proximity to educational institutions and the seasonal transition into autumn. The September timeframe, marked by back-to-school activities and the start of university term, may have contributed to increased social interactions that could partly explain the prevalence of violence and sexual offences. However, the rate of such crimes remains significantly lower than the UK average, with 1.9 per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 2.6. Anti-social behaviour, while still a concern, is notable for being 11% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect localised challenges such as the concentration of younger populations in certain areas. The shoplifting rate of 0.6 per 1,000 is 12% below the UK average, linked to the town's retail environment and effective policing strategies in high-traffic areas. Seasonal factors, including the draw of evenings drawing in and the start of academic year, likely influenced the mix of crimes, though the overall trend remains one of relative safety compared to national benchmarks.

September 2024 saw a 60% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 5 to 8 incidents. This uptick contrasts sharply with significant declines in other categories, including a 60% reduction in bicycle theft (from 10 to 4) and a 40.2% drop in anti-social behaviour (from 92 to 55). The area's violence and sexual offences rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is 27% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the town's lower density of nightlife venues. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains 11% above the UK average, suggesting localised pressures that warrant further attention. The sharp 75% decline in possession of weapons, from 4 to 1 incident, indicates a positive shift in public safety, though the underlying reasons for this change remain unclear. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with seasonal factors such as the start of the academic year likely influencing certain categories. Residents may find the 9 daily crime figure particularly useful for understanding local risk levels.

Bishop's Stortford's crime rate in September 2024 fell to 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 22.3% drop from the previous month's rate of 7.6. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during late summer, where increased community engagement and seasonal events may contribute to reduced incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 169 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure figure, when considered alongside the population of 44,015, suggests that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and bicycle theft, combined with a sharp decline in weapon possession, further underscores the stability of the area during this period. These statistics, when viewed in isolation, illustrate a community where crime remains a rare occurrence, though the 60% rise in drug-related offences indicates a need for continued monitoring of specific issues.