Burnham-on-Crouch Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Burnham-on-Crouch recorded a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, marking a 45.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure places the area significantly below national benchmarks, reflecting a generally safer environment. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31% of total incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (26.2%) and public order issues (9.5%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a small built-up district within Maldon, where community policing and low population density may contribute to lower overall crime rates. Seasonal factors in January—such as reduced retail footfall, shorter daylight hours, and post-holiday lulls—likely play a role in the subdued levels of outdoor crimes typically associated with busier months. However, the data reveals a notable spike in criminal damage and arson, which may be linked to cold weather conditions or other localised factors. While the overall crime rate remains low, the shift in crime types underscores the need for vigilance in specific areas, particularly those vulnerable to property damage. The relatively low levels of violent crime, 54% below the UK average, suggest that the area’s social fabric and community engagement initiatives may be effective in mitigating interpersonal conflicts. Nevertheless, the absence of significant seasonal fluctuations in violent crime contrasts with the marked increase in property-related offences, indicating a combination of environmental and demographic factors. As the month progresses, residents should remain alert to the potential for targeted property crimes, even in a historically low-crime environment.

January 2024 saw a 120% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from five to eleven incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary cases (from zero to three), highlights growing concerns in property-related crime. Meanwhile, vehicle crime plummeted by 75% (from four to one incident), possibly due to reduced traffic or improved security measures. The area’s violent crime rate—1.2 per 1,000—remains 54% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Burnham-on-Crouch’s historically lower levels of interpersonal violence. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson deserves closer attention, as such incidents often precede more serious crimes. Residents are advised to secure outdoor spaces and report suspicious activity promptly. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences fell by 60% and 17% respectively compared to UK averages, suggesting that community policing efforts may be effectively addressing low-level disruptions. The absence of significant increases in theft from the person or shoplifting—both 65% below the UK average—indicates that retail areas remain relatively secure. Nonetheless, the doubling of burglary cases signals a potential shift in criminal focus, likely tied to colder weather and increased indoor activity. These findings underscore the importance of targeted crime prevention strategies, particularly in residential zones.

The crime rate in Burnham-on-Crouch dropped by 16.0% from 4.8 per 1,000 in December 2023 to 4.0 per 1,000 in January 2024. This decline, while modest, aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as January’s reduced retail activity and shorter days often correlate with lower crime rates. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of one crime per day in January—a figure that, while low, includes the recent surge in property damage incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 251 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of criminal activity relative to the local population. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, reflecting the area’s overall safety profile. However, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson—now 11 incidents—raises questions about local vulnerabilities. With a population of 10,532, the area’s small size means that crime trends are more visible and potentially more impactful on a per capita basis. While the daily crime count remains manageable, the concentration of incidents in specific categories suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary. Residents should be mindful that even low overall rates can conceal spikes in particular types of crime, necessitating ongoing awareness and community engagement.