Marske-by-the-Sea Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 7,216 residents, 65 crimes were reported in Marske-by-the-Sea during April 2023, translating to a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 people—20% higher than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This rate places the area significantly above the national benchmark, though local patterns suggest a mix of factors at play. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.3% of all crimes (21 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%, 11 incidents) and shoplifting (10.8%, 7 incidents). These figures align with seasonal trends: spring weather and the Easter period typically increase outdoor activity, which may partly explain higher rates of public order and anti-social behaviour incidents. The area’s coastal character, with its mix of residential zones and limited retail infrastructure, contrasts with major urban centres where shoplifting is more concentrated. However, Marske-by-the-Sea’s higher-than-average shoplifting rate—108% above the UK average—suggests a unique local dynamic, potentially linked to small-scale retail premises or transient visitors during peak holiday periods. Violent crime, though lower than property crime, still outpaces the UK average for this category by 12%, indicating a need for targeted community engagement strategies.

April 2023 saw dramatic shifts in Marske-by-the-Sea’s crime profile. Vehicle crime surged by 300% month-on-month, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a jump that could reflect increased car ownership or changes in local traffic patterns. Other theft also spiked by 200%, with three incidents reported compared to one in March. This increase may be connected to the Easter holiday period, when temporary residents or visitors could be more vulnerable. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50% (from 2 to 1 incidents), due to reduced cycling activity during the Easter break or improved local security measures. Public order offences decreased by 44.4% (from 9 to 5), a trend consistent with the Easter period’s quieter community dynamics. Shoplifting in the area remains 108% above the UK average, while burglary is 133% above national levels—both figures highlighting a stark local disparity. The area’s property crime rate (36.9%) significantly outpaces the UK average, which is typically dominated by violent crime in urban areas. This inversion may reflect the built-up area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are more prevalent than in densely populated cities.

The crime rate in Marske-by-the-Sea rose by 14.1% from 7.9 per 1,000 in March 2023 to 9.0 per 1,000 in April 2023, a shift that could be tied to seasonal transitions. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day in April, a figure that, while seemingly low, translates to a monthly exposure of 1 reported crime for every 111 residents. For context, this means that over the course of the month, a resident had a 1-in-111 chance of being directly affected by crime—a rate that, while modest in absolute terms, remains 20% higher than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Marske-by-the-Sea’s crime burden is concentrated in property-related offences. With 24 property crimes (36.9% of total incidents), compared to 21 violent crimes (32.3%), the area diverges from the UK profile, where violent crime typically dominates. This imbalance may stem from the built-up area’s mix of retail and residential spaces, which can create micro-environments conducive to theft and anti-social behaviour. The comparison to the UK average underscores the need for tailored interventions, as the area’s unique geography and community structure contribute to distinct crime patterns that differ from larger urban centres.