Chepstow Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chepstow’s July 2023 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents marked a significant 21.7% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.3, reflecting a safer environment for the built-up area within Monmouthshire. The most striking anomaly was the sudden appearance of three previously absent crime types: Theft from the person, Bicycle theft, and Burglary, each rising from zero to one incident. This unexpected surge, occurring alongside a 50% decline in Shoplifting and a 53.8% drop in Other theft, suggests a complex shift in criminal focus during the summer months. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.3% of all incidents (33 cases), aligning with the UK average, but Anti-social behaviour (28.2%) and Public order offences (11.5%) exceeded national benchmarks by 27% and 29% respectively. These figures may be partly explained by the area’s role as a tourist destination during July, when festivals and outdoor events typically draw larger crowds. The relatively low burglary rate—70% below the UK average—could be attributed to Chepstow’s compact built-up area and strong community policing presence, though the rise in theft-related crimes highlights vulnerabilities in securing personal property during peak tourist season. Seasonal factors such as school holidays and increased foot traffic may have influenced these patterns, with the summer months often correlating with higher rates of petty theft and anti-social behaviour in similar towns.

July 2023 saw three crime types surge from zero to one incident: Theft from the person, Bicycle theft, and Burglary, each marking a 100% increase. This unexpected rise contrasts with a 53.8% drop in Other theft and a 50% reduction in Shoplifting, suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The area’s violent crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 (42.3% of total incidents) matched the UK average, but Anti-social behaviour and Public order offences were 27% and 29% higher than national figures respectively. Burglary rates were 70% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the sharp increases in theft-related crimes. Residents may find the 100% rise in Bicycle theft particularly concerning, given Chepstow’s proximity to cycling routes and summer tourism. These fluctuations highlight the unpredictable nature of crime in a seasonal tourist hub, where transient populations and event-driven activity may influence reporting trends.

Chepstow's crime rate in July 2023 fell by 17.0% compared to June, declining from 7.9 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This reduction positions the area 21.7% below the UK average of 8.3, a consistent trend for the region. Daily crime figures show approximately three incidents reported each day, a manageable frequency for a built-up area of 11,961 people. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 153 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity relative to population size. This monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime per every 120 residents. The drop aligns with the summer season, when extended daylight hours and increased community engagement may contribute to lower reporting rates for certain offences. However, the absence of a UK daily equivalent comparison means local patterns remain distinct to Chepstow’s specific context.