Wellingborough Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile for Wellingborough in November 2023 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent crimes, which accounted for 40.4% of all reported incidents. This contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 35% of total crimes. The area's rate of 8.6 crimes per 1,000 residents places it 14.7% above the national average of 7.5 per 1,000, suggesting a unique set of local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remain the dominant category, with 196 cases reported — a rate of 3.5 per 1,000, 35% higher than the UK average. This imbalance may reflect local factors such as the town's mixed urban-rural character, where population density in key areas could amplify interpersonal conflicts. Anti-social behaviour, at 10.7% of total crimes, and shoplifting, at 8.0%, form the next most significant categories, both influenced by seasonal activity. November's darker evenings and events like Bonfire Night may have contributed to higher levels of public disorder and opportunistic theft, though these patterns align with broader UK trends during the autumn months. The relatively low rate of burglary (2.9%) compared to the UK average (3.0%) suggests that property crime is not the primary concern in Wellingborough, with a focus instead on personal safety and community order. This profile underscores the need for targeted policing strategies that address the overrepresentation of violent crime while maintaining vigilance against seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour and retail theft.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft (+300%) and other crime (+242.9%) compared to October, with the latter category jumping from seven to 24 incidents. This surge in 'other crime' may reflect unclassified or emerging issues not captured in standard categories. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 63.6% (from 11 to 4), potentially indicating a temporary reduction in illegal firearm activity or improved enforcement. Violence and sexual offences remained high, at 3.5 per 1,000 residents — 35% above the UK average. This stark deviation may be linked to local factors such as the town's proximity to major transport routes or its role as a regional hub, which could increase opportunities for interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, public order offences dropped by 43.3% (from 30 to 17), due to enhanced policing during Bonfire Night or reduced large gatherings. The rise in bicycle theft, coupled with the 300% increase from a single incident to four, highlights a vulnerability in local security measures during darker winter months. Residents should consider locking cycles even in short-term parking scenarios, given the sharp seasonal spike. These shifts illustrate how crime patterns can fluctuate rapidly in response to both routine activities and targeted interventions.

Wellingborough's crime rate in November 2023 (8.6 per 1,000) marked a 12.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.7 per 1,000, suggesting a temporary moderation in criminal activity. However, this remains 14.7% above the UK average, indicating sustained challenges relative to national benchmarks. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 16 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the town's population of 56,709 residents. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 117 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Wellingborough in the upper third of UK built-up areas. This statistic translates to a 1-in-117 chance for any given resident to be directly affected by crime during the month, a figure that, while not extreme, underscores the need for ongoing community engagement. When compared to the previous month, the 12% reduction in crime rate may reflect the natural ebb and flow of seasonal activity, with colder weather potentially reducing outdoor gatherings that contribute to anti-social behaviour. However, the persistent gap between Wellingborough and the UK average highlights structural factors — such as the town's role as a regional commercial centre — that may sustain higher-than-average crime levels. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during events like Black Friday, which can temporarily elevate retail-related offences.