Wellingborough Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wellingborough’s crime rate in August 2024 stood at 11.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 37.8% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This marked deviation from national trends is most striking in the sharp rise of shoplifting, which occurred at a rate of 2.2 per 1,000—210% above the UK average. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences (32.9% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (17.8%) dominate the local crime picture, suggesting persistent challenges in community safety and public order. August, a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and empty homes, factors that may contribute to higher burglary risks, though burglary itself was relatively low at 0.2 per 1,000. The prominence of property crimes (224 total) over violent crimes (210 total) contrasts with the UK profile, where property crimes generally constitute a smaller share. This imbalance may reflect local characteristics, such as the town’s retail presence and its role as a commuter hub, which could drive shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal patterns also appear to influence the data: while August is a time of heightened social activity, it also sees a spike in public order offences, linked to increased foot traffic in town centres. The data underscores a combination of local demographics, geography, and seasonal rhythms, with Wellingborough’s crime profile diverging from the national average in both scale and composition.

August 2024 saw notable shifts in Wellingborough’s crime profile, with several categories moving significantly from previous months. Other crime, including unclassified offences, rose by 23.5% (17 to 21), reflecting a potential uptick in incidents that may not be immediately categorized. Public order offences also increased by 18.8% (32 to 38), a trend that may be linked to the busy summer season and heightened activity in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour rose by 8.6% (105 to 114), suggesting ongoing challenges in managing community conduct. Conversely, possession of weapons fell sharply by 60.0% (10 to 4), indicating a temporary reduction in related incidents or improved enforcement. Other theft, which had previously been a concern, dropped by 31.3% (32 to 22), though this category remains below the UK average. Vehicle crime also decreased by 10.5% (19 to 17), due to reduced traffic during holidays or improved vehicle security measures. The most alarming finding remains the persistent elevation of shoplifting, which at 2.2 per 1,000 is 210% above the UK average. This suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail areas, where the town’s commercial activity may be exacerbating the issue. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary (0.2 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, a contrast that may be explained by the town’s compact built-up area and higher levels of community surveillance.

Wellingborough’s crime rate in August 2024 fell slightly to 11.3 per 1,000 from 11.6 per 1,000 in July, a 2.8% decline. While this represents a minor improvement, the rate remains significantly above the UK average, highlighting the area’s continued divergence from national trends. On a daily basis, the town recorded an average of 21 crimes per day in August, a figure that residents may find concerning given the population of 56,709. This equates to one reported crime for every 89 residents over the course of the month—a stark reminder of the frequency of incidents in a relatively small area. When compared to the UK average, Wellingborough’s crime profile is more severe in several categories: violence and sexual offences (3.7 per 1,000) are 38% above the UK average, while shoplifting (2.2 per 1,000) is 210% higher. These disparities suggest that local factors—such as the town’s role as a retail and commuter hub—may be contributing to higher rates of specific crimes. The population context further underscores the impact: with a density of 56,709 residents, the 639 total crimes represent a concentrated level of activity that may be challenging to manage without targeted interventions. While the slight month-on-month decrease is positive, the overall rate remains a pressing concern for local authorities and residents alike.