Humberston and New Waltham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with a population of 21,662, 65 reported crimes in January 2024 translates to a manageable 3.0 incidents per 1,000 residents—59.5% below the UK average of 7.4. This low rate reflects a combination of community-focused policing, limited retail density, and the area’s character as a mid-sized built-up zone with fewer high-traffic commercial hubs. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (46.2% of total), followed by shoplifting (12.3%) and burglary (10.8%). These figures contrast with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday lull, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall—may partly explain lower property crime rates but could also contribute to increased violent incidents linked to indoor social spaces. Violence and sexual offences in the area are 46% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting effective local measures or demographic factors, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. The data also highlights a stark gap in shoplifting rates compared to the UK, where the average is 0.6 per 1,000, with Humberston and New Waltham at 0.4—a 30% deficit. This may reflect the area’s limited retail presence, though the 300% year-on-year surge in shoplifting from December to January raises questions about seasonal retail patterns or targeted activity. Overall, the crime profile indicates a relatively safe environment, with property crimes far below national averages, but with a notable emphasis on violent crime that deserves closer attention.

January 2024 saw a 25% increase in the overall crime rate compared to December’s 2.4 per 1,000, driven by a 300% surge in shoplifting (2 to 8 incidents) and 100% rises in drugs and bicycle theft. This shift from property to violent crime is evident: while property crimes (22) accounted for 33.8% of total incidents, violent crimes (30) made up 46.2%, a marked contrast to the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate. The violence and sexual offences category, at 1.4 per 1,000, is 46% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting effective local interventions or demographic factors. However, the 300% increase in shoplifting remains puzzling, especially as the UK average for this category is already 30% lower than Humberston and New Waltham’s rate. Other notable trends include a 22.2% decrease in burglary (9 to 7) and a 25% drop in public order offences (4 to 3), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity. The rise in drugs-related crimes—jumping from 0 to 1—though small, may indicate shifting patterns in local criminal activity. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted policing strategies, particularly in addressing the sharp increase in shoplifting and monitoring the rise in drug-related incidents.

Compared to December’s rate of 2.4 per 1,000, January’s 3.0 per 1,000 represents a 25% increase, though the overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day in January—a figure that, while low, reflects the relatively small population of 21,662. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 333 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to many UK towns and cities. This figure contextualises the area’s safety: for a resident, the chance of being directly affected by a crime in January was roughly 0.3%, a rate that is lower than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the disparity in crime distribution: while the UK average includes higher rates of property crimes and anti-social behaviour, Humberston and New Waltham’s profile is skewed toward violent crime. This may reflect the area’s demographics, with a higher proportion of residents in age groups less likely to engage in property crime. The daily crime count of 2 per day—equivalent to 0.09% of the population—further underscores the area’s relatively low risk profile, though the increase in violent crime compared to December suggests a need for continued vigilance in community safety initiatives.