Higham Ferrers Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Higham Ferrers maintained a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents, 30.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, underscores the area’s position as a relatively low-crime built-up area within North Northamptonshire. The breakdown of crime types reveals a notable shift: violent crimes (21 incidents) now outnumber property crimes (17 incidents), a reversal from earlier in the year. This balance may reflect the interplay of seasonal factors, including the proximity of Bonfire Night and Black Friday, which can heighten tensions in public spaces and drive retail-related offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42% of all crimes, a category that, while rising by 50% month-on-month, remains 15% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the area’s unique profile, where violent crime is more prevalent than property crime—a trend that may be influenced by the town’s small-scale retail presence and the limited commercial activity typical of a built-up area rather than a major urban centre. Meanwhile, property crimes such as shoplifting and criminal damage and arson saw mixed trends, with shoplifting declining by 41.7% and criminal damage rising by 40%. These fluctuations could be tied to the month’s darker evenings and the logistical challenges of managing seasonal events, which may increase the visibility of anti-social behaviour. Overall, the data suggests a dynamic crime picture shaped by both local characteristics and broader seasonal rhythms.

November 2023 saw a stark shift in crime composition, with violent crimes (21 incidents) outnumbering property crimes (17 incidents) for the first time in recent months. This imbalance, though not unprecedented, may reflect seasonal factors such as the timing of Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, which can drive both retail crime and public order issues. Among specific categories, violence and sexual offences surged by 50% compared to October, rising from 14 to 21 incidents. This increase, while significant, remains 15% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 85.7%, dropping from 7 to 1 incident—a reduction that may be linked to the end of the holiday season and reduced car theft opportunities. Anti-social behaviour also rose slightly. For residents, the most striking figure is the 50% increase in violent crime, which suggests a need for heightened awareness in public spaces during peak retail and event periods.

The crime rate in Higham Ferrers for November 2023 stands at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, an 18.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as November typically sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer large gatherings compared to summer months. Locally, the monthly exposure figure shows that over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 191 residents. This rate, while lower than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflects a relatively stable environment for the area’s population of 9,533. Daily crime context reveals an average of two crimes reported per day in November, a figure that, when considered alongside the town’s built-up area status, suggests limited but consistent policing priorities. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Higham Ferrers’ crime rate remains well below the UK average, though localised spikes in specific categories—such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—warrant attention. These figures, when contextualised with the town’s character as a small built-up area within North Northamptonshire, indicate that while overall safety is maintained, targeted efforts may still be needed in certain sectors.