Higham Ferrers Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Higham Ferrers, a small built-up area within North Northamptonshire, reported a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in July 2023 — 30.1% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country for this month, with a combination of low violent crime and property crime rates contributing to the overall figure. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (21 incidents, 38.2% of total), followed by shoplifting (11 incidents, 20.0%) and anti-social behaviour (11 incidents, 20.0%). Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as July is a peak month for tourism, festivals, and outdoor events in the region. The lower-than-average violent crime rate may partly reflect the area’s character as a quieter, more residential community compared to larger urban centres. However, shoplifting rates were 100% above the UK average, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in retail security or local shopping patterns. The crime mix shows a balance between violent and property crimes, with no single category dominating to an extreme degree. This contrasts with some UK areas where property crime often outweighs violent crime by a larger margin. The data also highlights that Higham Ferrers’ anti-social behaviour rate is 15% below the national average, potentially indicating stronger community cohesion or effective local policing strategies in managing disruptive incidents.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends for Higham Ferrers. Vehicle crime surged by 100%, rising from zero to two incidents — a stark increase that may reflect changes in parking patterns or summer travel activity. Shoplifting also rose sharply by 57.1%, with 11 incidents recorded, placing this category 100% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This discrepancy could indicate challenges in retail security or heightened opportunities for theft during peak tourist season. Anti-social behaviour increased by 37.5%, linked to the summer holidays and increased foot traffic in public spaces. Conversely, public order offences fell by 80%, from five to one incident, due to improved policing during events or fewer incidents requiring intervention. Criminal damage and arson also dropped by 63.6%, from 11 to four incidents, which may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced vandalism during warmer months. The balance between violent and property crime remains relatively even, with violence and sexual offences (38.2% of total) and property crimes (34.5%) each accounting for roughly a third of all reported incidents. This contrasts with some UK areas where property crime often dominates by a wider margin. Residents might find the shoplifting statistics particularly relevant, as they highlight a specific vulnerability in local retail environments that could warrant targeted interventions.

Higham Ferrers’ crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 in July 2023 is a marginal decline from June’s 5.9 per 1,000 — a stable trend that suggests no major shifts in overall safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in July, a figure that appears modest compared to larger urban centres but is typical for a small built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 173 residents — a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 120 residents. With a population of 9,533, the area’s crime statistics highlight the impact of local demographics and geography. As a small town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, Higham Ferrers may benefit from lower population density and stronger community networks, both of which can contribute to reduced crime rates. However, the 100% above-average shoplifting rate underscores the need for tailored strategies in retail areas. When compared to the UK, the area’s performance in violent crime (21% below average) and anti-social behaviour (15% below average) suggests effective local initiatives in managing public safety. These comparative figures reinforce the idea that Higham Ferrers’ relatively low crime rates are not simply a result of underreporting but reflect genuine differences in crime dynamics compared to the national picture.