Hoo St Werburgh Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Hoo St Werburgh recorded a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in May 2023, placing it 50% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This marked improvement follows a consistent pattern of lower-than-average crime rates in the area, reflecting the built-up character of Hoo St Werburgh within the Medway region. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.9% of all reported crimes—39% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 32.6% of total crimes, and was 2% below the UK average. The seasonal context of May, with its longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may partly explain the higher proportion of violence-related incidents compared to other months. Property crimes, including vehicle crime and burglary, remained significantly lower than UK averages, with vehicle crime at 0.3 per 1,000 (33% below the UK rate) and burglary at 0.3 per 1,000 (3% below the UK rate). These figures suggest a relatively stable environment, though the presence of anti-social behaviour and violence indicates ongoing community challenges. The area’s compact nature, with limited retail and commercial activity compared to larger urban centres, likely contributes to the lower rates of theft and burglary typically associated with high-traffic zones. As the weather warms and daylight hours increase, the local police and community organisations may continue to focus on initiatives that address public order and violence prevention, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic.

May 2023 saw significant reductions in several crime categories, with criminal damage and arson falling by 66.7% compared to the previous month, and public order offences decreasing by 50%. These declines may be linked to targeted police interventions or seasonal factors, such as the reduced likelihood of vandalism during warmer weather. However, two categories showed notable increases: burglary rose by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), and vehicle crime increased by 50% (from 2 to 3 incidents). While these figures represent absolute numbers, they highlight areas requiring closer attention, particularly as vehicle crime may be influenced by temporary increases in vehicle movement or parking patterns. The proportion of violent crimes remained consistent with earlier months, though violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for nearly half of all reported crimes. This category was 39% below the UK average, suggesting that while local efforts to reduce violence have been effective, the challenge of addressing such crimes persists. Residents may find the 50% reduction in overall crime rates compared to the UK average to be a significant indicator of the area’s relative safety, though ongoing vigilance is necessary to maintain this trend.

Hoo St Werburgh’s crime rate in May 2023 (4.0 per 1,000) marked a 15.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.7 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend that has positioned the area well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 252 residents, a monthly exposure figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of criminal activity in the area. On a daily basis, the average crime rate translated to approximately one crime per day across Hoo St Werburgh’s population of 10,836 residents. This daily context provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime in their immediate vicinity remains low. When viewed against the UK average, the area’s 50% reduction in crime rates highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies and community engagement efforts. The built-up nature of Hoo St Werburgh, combined with its integration within Medway’s broader infrastructure, may contribute to this trend, as smaller, more tightly knit communities often experience lower crime rates compared to larger urban areas. While the absolute numbers of crimes reported remain modest, the consistency of the area’s performance against national benchmarks suggests that sustained efforts in crime prevention and public safety initiatives are likely to continue yielding positive outcomes.