Holywell Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 marked a significant deviation in Holywell’s crime profile, with anti-social behaviour emerging as the most alarming trend. At 3.2 per 1,000 residents, this category was 121% above the UK average, accounting for over a third of all reported crimes. The area’s overall crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents, 17.9% higher than the UK average, reflects a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors. The peak of summer, with schools out and tourism at its height, likely contributed to increased social interactions in public spaces, which may partly explain the surge in anti-social behaviour. While violent crime remained a concern, with 26 incidents recorded (3.0 per 1,000), the 25.7% month-on-month decline from June suggests a possible temporary stabilization. Property crimes, though lower than violent offences, still accounted for 23 incidents, with shoplifting and criminal damage both exceeding UK averages. The seasonal context—festival events, open-air markets, and extended daylight hours—may have created environments conducive to certain offences, while also reducing opportunities for others, such as vehicle crime, which fell sharply compared to the UK average. The built-up nature of Holywell, nestled within Flintshire’s rural landscape, means that local hotspots, such as the town’s high streets and community centres, are likely to be focal points for anti-social activity. These patterns underscore the need for tailored policing strategies that balance the demands of a small town with the pressures of a tourist destination.

The most striking shift in July was the 121% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, with 28 incidents recorded—nearly double the national rate. This category alone accounted for 32.6% of all crimes, a significant rise from previous months. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell by 25.7%, from 35 to 26 incidents, though they remained 5% above the UK average. Vehicle crime saw a notable 57% decrease compared to the UK average, likely reflecting the area’s limited commercial vehicle traffic and lower density of car parks. A sharp increase in possession of weapons, up 100% from zero to one incident, raises questions about local enforcement and community engagement. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing anti-social behaviour, which remains a persistent challenge in the area. Residents may find the drop in vehicle crime reassuring, though the spike in weapons possession underscores the complexity of local crime dynamics.

July 2024 saw a 14.0% decrease in Holywell’s overall crime rate compared to June, falling from 11.5 to 9.9 per 1,000 residents. This drop aligns with typical summer trends, where school holidays and increased tourism may temporarily reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 3 crimes per day in July, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to Flintshire’s rural landscape. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, a rate that, while higher than the UK average, remains relatively low in the context of a small, closely-knit community. This monthly exposure metric underscores the importance of localized policing strategies, as the area’s population size means even minor fluctuations in crime can have noticeable impacts on residents. The contrast between the daily crime count and the monthly exposure highlights how crime is distributed unevenly across different types and locations within the area, with anti-social behaviour and violence accounting for over 60% of all incidents.