Whickham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Whickham's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8% above the UK average of 7.5. This rate reflects a combination of local conditions and seasonal influences, with shoplifting emerging as the most striking outlier. Shoplifting accounted for 33.9% of all reported crimes, significantly exceeding the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 (391% above). This suggests that Whickham's retail environment—likely characterised by a concentration of high-traffic areas or commercial hubs—creates conditions conducive to such offences. The dominance of property-related crimes, including other theft (12.1%) and criminal damage (9.7%), further reinforces the role of local economic activity in shaping crime patterns. Violent crimes, however, were lower, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 17.7% of total incidents, 46% below the UK average. This divergence may be linked to Whickham's built-up nature within Gateshead, where urban density could reduce opportunities for violent encounters compared to more isolated or rural settings. Seasonal factors also played a role: November's shorter evenings, Black Friday shopping, and Bonfire Night likely influenced the rise in public order offences and shoplifting. These events may have increased foot traffic in retail areas, creating opportunities for theft, while also drawing larger crowds to public spaces, which can strain community policing resources. The overall crime rate, while elevated compared to the UK, remains relatively stable when viewed in context. With 124 crimes reported across a population of 15,342, the rate underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The contrast between property and violent crime rates highlights the importance of understanding local dynamics, such as the presence of retail centres or the influence of seasonal events, in shaping crime profiles. As Whickham navigates the challenges of November's unique conditions, these insights provide a foundation for addressing the most pressing concerns in the community.

November 2023 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, with one incident reported after none in October. This spike may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased cycling during darker evenings or the timing of local events. Public order offences rose by 33.3%, likely linked to Bonfire Night celebrations and the start of Black Friday shopping, which can strain community spaces. Conversely, burglary fell by 66.7%, a drop that may be attributed to heightened police presence or community initiatives during the festive period. Anti-social behaviour also declined sharply by 65.6%, due to a combination of reduced outdoor activity and targeted enforcement. The most striking outlier remains shoplifting, which is 391% above the UK average. This disparity suggests that Whickham's retail environment—concentrated in high-traffic areas—creates conditions conducive to such offences. Residents might find the daily crime count of 4 incidents useful, as it provides a tangible sense of the pace of criminal activity in their neighbourhood.

Whickham's crime rate in November 2023 fell by 23.5% compared to October 2023, declining from 10.6 to 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This drop aligns with seasonal patterns, as shorter evenings and reduced retail activity may have curtailed opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the average daily crime count stands at 4 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 124 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the proportion of the population affected. This rate is slightly above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, but the decline from the previous month suggests a stabilising trend. The population context reinforces that Whickham's crime profile remains distinct within Gateshead, with its built-up nature potentially contributing to higher property crime rates compared to more rural areas. The shift in crime mix, with fewer violent incidents and more property-related offences, further underscores the influence of local demographics and seasonal factors on crime patterns.