Meltham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 9,128, Meltham reported 72 crimes in July 2023 — equivalent to one crime for every 127 residents over the month. This crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents places the area 4.8% below the UK average of 8.3, a marginal but consistent trend observed in recent months. The breakdown reveals a distinct profile: violence and sexual offences (23 incidents) account for 31.9% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14 incidents) and other theft (13 incidents). These figures align with the area's character as a built-up community within Kirklees, where retail and social hubs may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal offences. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as July's peak summer activity — with schools out, festivals, and tourism — may amplify both social interactions and opportunities for crime. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prominent category.5 per 1,000 is 10% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, exceeds the UK average by 6%, linked to increased community gatherings during the summer months. Other theft (1.4 per 1,000) is higher than the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggesting possible vulnerabilities in local retail environments or unsecured properties. This data underscores the need for targeted measures in high-traffic areas, while also highlighting Meltham's relatively safer standing compared to national benchmarks.

July 2023 saw stark shifts in crime patterns compared to June. Shoplifting increased by 100% — from zero to eight incidents — marking a significant jump likely tied to summer festivals and retail activity. Other theft also rose sharply by 62.5%, with 13 incidents reported, suggesting heightened opportunities for petty crime in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour rose by 40%, reaching 14 incidents, which may reflect the impact of extended evenings and community events during the school holidays. Conversely, burglary fell by 87.5%, from eight to one incident, potentially due to reduced domestic occupancy during the summer break or enhanced local security measures. Public order offences dropped by 62.5%, from eight to three, reflecting a shift in police focus or community engagement efforts. Other theft's rate of 1.4 per 1,000 is 112% above the UK average, indicating a localised challenge that may require targeted interventions such as improved CCTV coverage in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences — the most common category — remain 10% below the UK average for this type, suggesting effective policing or community programmes in this area. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Meltham, where seasonal and event-driven factors can rapidly reshape the crime profile.

Meltham's crime rate rose by 9.1% from 7.2 per 1,000 in June to 7.9 per 1,000 in July, reflecting a modest but measurable increase. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 127 residents, a ratio that contextualises the impact of these incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate is particularly relevant for residents, as it illustrates the frequency of crime in relation to the community's size. Compared to the UK average, Meltham remains slightly safer, but the month-on-month increase highlights the importance of monitoring trends. The population context is critical: with 9,128 residents, even a small number of incidents can have a noticeable effect on community perceptions of safety. For example, the 1.4 per 1,000 rate for other theft — 112% above the UK average — may seem high, but in absolute terms, it translates to just 13 incidents, a manageable figure for local enforcement. This data invites a nuanced view of Meltham's crime profile, balancing the area's relative safety with the need to address specific vulnerabilities in theft and anti-social behaviour.