Waltham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Waltham’s crime rate stood at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 66.2% below the UK average of 7.1. This relatively low rate translates to a tangible daily risk: one reported crime per day for every 6,804 residents. The crime profile in December was dominated by violence and sexual offences (37.5% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (25%) and public order offences (25%). These patterns align with the seasonal context of December, marked by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the potential for empty homes over the holidays. The lower-than-average property crime rate (2 incidents) suggests that the built-up nature of Waltham may contribute to reduced opportunities for burglary and theft, though the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour highlights vulnerabilities in community spaces during festive periods. The overall crime rate, while modest, reflects a balance between the area’s urban characteristics and the seasonal dynamics of the month. This balance is further illustrated by the fact that Waltham’s violent crime rate (0.9 per 1,000) is 65% below the UK average, a figure that underscores the area’s relative safety despite the increase in anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, holiday gatherings, and the closure of some local businesses—may have influenced the types of crimes reported, with public order and anti-social behaviour incidents rising in tandem with the festive season’s social pressures. This interplay between local geography and seasonal rhythms offers a nuanced view of how crime patterns evolve over time in Waltham.

December 2024 marked a dramatic 300% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from one to four incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in public order offences, suggests a shift in the crime mix during the holiday season. While violence and sexual offences increased by 20%, remaining significantly below the UK average (65% lower), property crimes fell to just two reports—less than 10% of all crimes. The sharp decline in criminal damage and arson (50% decrease) and other theft (50% decrease) contrasts with the rise in public order issues, a pattern consistent with seasonal factors like Christmas shopping and festive gatherings. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 300% jump in anti-social behaviour, which may partly explain the increase in public order offences. These figures highlight the need for targeted community engagement during periods of heightened social activity.

December 2024 saw a 6.8% rise in Waltham’s overall crime rate, climbing from 2.2 to 2.4 per 1,000 residents. This places the area firmly in the safer tier of UK communities, with a crime rate 66.2% below the national average of 7.1. On a daily basis, the month averaged one reported crime per day, a figure that translates to a tangible local context: over the course of December, every resident had a 1-in-425 chance of being directly involved in a crime. This monthly exposure is significantly lower than the UK average, which would see roughly one in 140 residents affected. The population context further underscores Waltham’s relative safety—its 6,804 residents experienced 16 crimes in total, a stark contrast to larger urban areas where crime rates often exceed 10 per 1,000. The shift in crime mix compared to November also highlights seasonal patterns, with public order offences rising sharply, a trend likely linked to the holiday season’s increased social activity and longer evenings.