Waltham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Waltham’s crime rate stood at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 56.9% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This significant gap highlights the area’s relatively low risk profile, even during a month typically associated with heightened activity. The crime breakdown reveals that 57.1% of incidents were violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and arson at 28.6%. These figures suggest a mix of personal and property-related concerns, though the latter category’s rate (0.9 per 1,000) was 61% above the UK average, indicating a localised challenge in this area. Seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and the presence of empty homes over the holidays likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the surge in criminal damage and arson may be partly explained by increased opportunities during the holiday season, while the relatively low rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour could reflect the area’s quieter retail environment and community cohesion. The overall crime rate, though stable month-on-month, remains a testament to Waltham’s ability to maintain safety despite the pressures of December’s unique rhythms. This per-capita perspective underscores that, for the average resident, the likelihood of encountering crime is minimal—approximately one in every 324 people over the course of the month. The interplay between local characteristics, such as its built-up area status and smaller population, and seasonal dynamics likely contributes to this outcome, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these connections with certainty.

December saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with criminal damage and arson surging by 500% compared to the previous month, rising from one to six incidents. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors such as empty homes over the holidays or increased property-related disputes during the festive period. Conversely, violent crimes decreased by 20%, dropping from 15 to 12, a shift that aligns with the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000) and places Waltham 31% below that benchmark. Anti-social behaviour also fell sharply by two-thirds, from three to one incident, potentially reflecting the reduced presence of transient populations during the holiday season. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences remained well below UK averages, with shoplifting at 59% below the national rate and public order offences at 58% below. These figures highlight Waltham’s relatively low risk profile in categories tied to public spaces and retail activity.

Waltham’s crime rate in December 2023 remained stable at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, matching the rate from the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuations in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime every 31 days, translating to a low-frequency exposure for residents. Over the course of the month, this equates to one crime for roughly every 324 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively low risk of encountering crime in Waltham compared to the UK average. With a population of 6,804, the monthly exposure figure illustrates that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is minimal, even during the busy holiday season. The stability in crime rates, combined with the area’s small population, reinforces the perception of Waltham as a low-risk environment for residents and visitors alike.