Chepstow Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chepstow’s overall crime rate in August 2023 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is characteristic of a rural built-up area with a small population and limited urban density, though localised spikes in specific crime types suggest areas for targeted attention. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.0%) and public order offences (11.6%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for the same categories, where violence and sexual offences were 25% lower nationally, and public order offences were 50% lower. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month in a tourist-driven economy—likely contributes to the disproportionate rise in shoplifting and public order incidents. While the area’s overall rate remains below the UK average, the concentration of violent crimes and the sharp increase in shoplifting indicate a need to balance the broader trend with specific local challenges. The relatively low rates of burglary, vehicle crime, and drug-related offences may reflect the area’s rural character, with fewer opportunities for certain types of crime compared to larger urban centres. However, the absence of a strong policing presence in unoccupied homes during the summer months may explain the temporary rise in property-related offences, despite the overall trend of lower burglary rates compared to the UK.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 600% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 7 incidents. This spike aligns with the peak holiday season, when Chepstow’s retail areas likely experience higher foot traffic from tourists. Vehicle crime also doubled, with 4 reported incidents, possibly linked to increased car usage during summer. In contrast, anti-social behaviour fell by 18.2% to 18 incidents, suggesting a temporary reduction in community tensions. Violent crimes, at 40 (3.3 per 1,000), were 25% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a localised concentration of violence and sexual offences. Public order offences were 50% above the UK average, likely tied to the influx of visitors and the associated pressures on local resources. These shifts in crime mix indicate a combination of seasonal factors and the area’s character as a rural town with a growing tourism presence.

Chepstow’s crime rate in August 2023 rose 21.8% compared to July, reaching 7.9 per 1,000 residents from 6.5 per 1,000. This increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical of a rural town with a strong tourism sector, where summer holidays may displace local residents and temporarily increase unoccupied properties. On a daily basis, 3 crimes were reported in August, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, highlights the pace of activity in a small built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 126 residents, a metric that contextualises the monthly exposure for individuals living in Chepstow. This rate is lower than the UK average for overall crime but reflects a shift in crime distribution, with violent offences and public order incidents rising significantly compared to the national picture. The population context underscores that, despite the increase, the area remains below the UK average in total crime, though specific categories like violence and public order are higher.