Chepstow Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Chepstow's crime profile in December 2023, accounting for 35% of all reported crimes. This category's rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's role as a commuter hub and the increased presence of transient populations during the festive season. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 16 incidents reported—a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 that was 40% above the UK average. The spike in anti-social behaviour could be partially attributed to the extended hours of some local businesses and the influx of visitors during the holiday period. Burglary, at 0.9 per 1,000, was 157% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be explained by the area's geographic position as a gateway to the Welsh countryside, where unoccupied homes during the Christmas break could create opportunities for offenders. The overall crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000—16.7% above the UK average—was influenced by seasonal factors, including the Christmas shopping peak and the darker evenings that accompany December in the UK. These conditions may have created an environment conducive to both property and violent crimes, with the local mix of urban and rural characteristics likely playing a role in the distribution of crime types.

December 2023 saw a 500% increase in vehicle crime, jumping from one incident to six. This spike aligns with the Christmas shopping peak and the presence of seasonal delivery vehicles in the area. Other theft also surged by 200%, rising from three to nine cases, likely driven by increased retail activity and the presence of festive crowds. Conversely, public order offences fell by 30% compared to November, possibly due to the holiday season reducing typical nightlife-related incidents. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000—11% above the UK average. This category's dominance is consistent with Chepstow's mix of urban and rural characteristics, where high street retail and seasonal tourism may intersect with more transient populations. The 157% increase in burglary compared to the UK average highlights vulnerabilities in residential areas during the holiday season, when homes are more likely to be unoccupied.

Chepstow's crime rate in December 2023 rose to 8.4 per 1,000 residents, a 49.3% increase from November's 5.6 per 1,000. This marks the highest monthly rate recorded in the built-up area since at least 2021. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day in December, a figure that reflects both the seasonal context and the persistent nature of certain crime types. When viewed through the lens of population exposure, the monthly statistics translate to one reported crime for every 120 residents in Chepstow during December. This rate is higher than the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, though the local context—Chepstow's role as a gateway to the Welsh countryside and its proximity to major transport routes—may partly explain the disparity. The combination of holiday-related activity and the area's geographic position as a commuter hub likely contributes to the elevated exposure figures observed in December.