Whittlesey Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Whittlesey’s crime profile in January 2024 reveals an unusual concentration in 'Other crime', which surged to 186% above the UK average. This category, encompassing unclassified or niche offences, dominated the month’s statistics, accounting for 6.3% of total crimes. The overall crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 24.3% deficit compared to the UK’s 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a safer-than-average environment. Violence and sexual offences (41 incidents) formed the largest single category, contributing 51.3% of all crimes, though their rate (2.9 per 1,000) was 12% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (10 cases) and criminal damage (7 cases) followed, with both categories significantly below national benchmarks. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns: January’s post-holiday lull, reduced retail activity, and shorter daylight hours may have curtailed outdoor crimes typical of busier periods. However, the spike in 'Other crime' suggests unexplained or underreported incidents that warrant closer examination. The area’s rural character and smaller population may also contribute to lower overall crime rates, though the 'Other crime' anomaly requires further contextual analysis.

January 2024 saw a 150% increase in 'Other crime', jumping from 2 to 5 cases—a stark deviation from the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect underreporting or unique local dynamics. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences rose by 24.2% (33 to 41 cases), though their rate (2.9 per 1,000) remained 12% above the UK average. Vehicle crime also surged by 50%, with 6 incidents reported, compared to the UK’s 0.5 per 1,000. Conversely, public order offences fell by two-thirds (from 6 to 2 cases), and other theft plummeted by 85.7% (7 to 1 case), indicating potential seasonal or situational shifts. The contrast between rising 'Other crime' and declining theft suggests combination of local factors and broader trends. Residents may find the 80% drop in shoplifting (3 cases) notable, as it aligns with reduced retail footfall during January. However, the surge in 'Other crime'—a category often lacking detailed breakdowns—remains an outlier demanding further scrutiny.

Whittlesey’s crime rate in January 2024 (5.6 per 1,000) matched the previous month’s figure exactly, showing no change over the period. This stability contrasts with the UK’s generally fluctuating rates. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 3 incidents per day, translating to a 1-in-178 resident exposure rate over the month. This figure, while low, must be contextualised within Whittlesey’s population of 14,211, where crime remains dispersed across a relatively small area. The 24.3% gap between Whittlesey and the UK average underscores the area’s safety, particularly in categories like burglary (44% below UK rates) and vehicle crime (20% below). However, the 186% spike in 'Other crime'—far exceeding the UK’s 0.1 per 1,000—highlights potential gaps in data classification or local-specific incidents. While the daily crime rate is manageable for most residents, the 'Other crime' anomaly suggests unmet needs in reporting or policing that could be addressed through targeted engagement. The stability in overall rates, despite fluctuations in specific categories, indicates a resilient local crime management system, though outliers like 'Other crime' merit further exploration.