Southwell Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in July 2024, placing it 32.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects the area's status as one of the safest built-up areas in the country, with crime remaining concentrated in specific categories rather than widespread. Anti-social behaviour accounted for the largest share of incidents (30.3%), followed by violence and sexual offences (24.2%) and shoplifting (12.1%). These patterns align with the area's character as a rural district with a built-up core, where community-focused policing and low population density likely contribute to the relatively low overall rate. Seasonal factors played a notable role in shaping the crime picture: the peak of summer, with schools out and festivals in full swing, may have influenced both the surge in shoplifting and the temporary dip in anti-social behaviour. However, the data also reveals persistent disparities compared to national averages, with anti-social behaviour rates 17% above UK levels and violent crime rates 51% below. This duality suggests that while Southwell's overall safety is strong, certain localised issues—such as the management of transient populations during events—require continued attention.

July 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from one to four cases. This spike may be linked to the area's seasonal context, with festivals and outdoor events drawing transient populations to local retail hubs. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 28.6% compared to June, dropping from 14 to 10 incidents—a shift that could reflect the dispersal of summer crowds or the impact of local initiatives during peak tourist season. Southwell's violent crime rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents is 51% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 17% above UK levels seen in anti-social behaviour cases. The drop in other theft (33.3%) and the rise in criminal damage and arson (33.3%) highlight a shifting crime mix, with property-related offences showing more volatility than violent crimes. These patterns suggest a combination of seasonal dynamics and local factors from the data alone.

Southwell's crime rate in July 2024 rose slightly to 5.7 per 1,000 residents from 5.5 per 1,000 in June, marking a 3.1% increase. This small upward trend contrasts with the area's overall position as one of the safest in the UK, remaining 32.1% below the national average. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported each day in July, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate. When scaled to the population, this translates to one crime for every 176 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. The population context further highlights how sparse the crime distribution is, with only 33 total crimes recorded across 5,809 residents. This density of incidents remains well within the range expected for a built-up area in a rural district, where crime is often concentrated in specific locations rather than spread evenly.