Holywell (Flintshire) Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most dramatic shift in November 2023 was the 100% increase in possession of weapons, a category that had previously seen zero reports. This jump, combined with an 80% rise in shoplifting, highlights unusual patterns during a month marked by seasonal transitions. Holywell's overall crime rate of 13.7 per 1,000 residents places it 82.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects local factors amplified by November's specific dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.8% of all crimes, with 45 incidents reported—more than double the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 27.7% of total crimes, far exceeding the national benchmark by 262%. These figures align with the area's character as a built-up community where public spaces and local amenities may contribute to higher rates of disorder-related incidents. The timing of November—bracketing Bonfire Night and Black Friday—likely influenced shoplifting trends, while darker evenings may have impacted perceptions of safety. Despite the elevated rates, the breakdown shows no significant spikes in property crimes compared to the UK average, suggesting that violent and anti-social incidents are the primary drivers of the area's current crime profile.

The most striking change in November 2023 was the 100% month-on-month increase in possession of weapons, rising from zero to three incidents. This anomaly contrasts with the 80% surge in shoplifting, which climbed from five to nine reports. Both increases occurred against a backdrop of reductions in other crime categories, which fell by 75% from four to one incident, and drugs-related crimes, also down 75% from four to one. The violent crime category remained high compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 101% above the national rate. Anti-social behaviour saw an even starker deviation, at 262% above the UK average. These figures suggest a combination of local conditions and seasonal factors. For residents, the daily crime count of approximately four incidents per day offers a tangible measure of risk, though the majority of these are concentrated in violent and disorder-related categories. The sharp rise in weapon possession, while limited in absolute numbers, may indicate emerging issues requiring closer attention from local authorities.

November 2023 saw Holywell's crime rate fall by 13.8% compared to the previous month, dropping from 15.8 to 13.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline, however, does not mitigate the area's continued elevation above the UK average. On a daily basis, residents faced roughly four crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 73 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than the previous month's equivalent, remains significantly higher than the UK average when scaled to the population. The population context is critical: with 8,711 residents, even a modest increase in crime can have a measurable impact on community safety. The drop in overall crime rate may reflect seasonal factors, such as the conclusion of the Halloween period or reduced foot traffic during colder evenings. Yet the persistent gap between Holywell's rates and the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions. The comparison to the previous month's figures also highlights the volatility of crime patterns, with certain categories fluctuating sharply while others remain stable. This variability suggests that local conditions, rather than national trends, are the primary drivers of Holywell's crime picture.