Great Wakering Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

May 2023 marked a notable shift in Great Wakering's crime profile, with the most dramatic change being a 300% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to April. This spike, while not exceeding the UK average rate for the category (0.6 per 1,000), highlights the volatility of crime patterns in built-up areas during late spring. The overall crime rate for the area remained at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 46.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 50% of all incidents, though their rate was 24% below the national average. This contrast suggests a combination of local factors—such as the area's compact size and possibly lower levels of transient populations—that may contribute to the lower violent crime rates. Seasonal context also plays a role: May, with its bank holidays and extended evenings, often sees increased outdoor socialising, which could explain the rise in criminal damage and arson. The breakdown of other crime types—such as other theft (10.7%) and anti-social behaviour (7.1%)—further illustrates the diversity of challenges faced by residents. While the overall rate remains low, the month-on-month fluctuations underscore the need for ongoing analysis of local trends, particularly in categories showing sharp increases.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 300% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to four incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in other theft and drugs-related crimes, indicates a significant shift in the types of offences occurring locally. While violence and sexual offences remained the most common category (50% of total crimes), their rate was 24% below the UK average, suggesting a generally safer environment for residents. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 50% compared to April, possibly reflecting changes in community activity or local enforcement efforts. The rate of criminal damage and arson in Great Wakering (0.6 per 1,000) was 3% below the UK average, but the sheer percentage increase from the previous month warrants scrutiny. Residents may find the 100% rise in other theft incidents particularly concerning, as it suggests emerging patterns in property crime that could require targeted local responses.

Great Wakering's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 21.9% compared to April, climbing from 3.5 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns observed in similar built-up areas during late spring, when extended daylight and warmer weather often correlate with higher outdoor activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day in May, a figure that reflects the low overall rate relative to national averages but remains a tangible statistic for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 233 residents, a measure that contextualises the exposure in terms of population density. While this rate is significantly lower than the UK average, the shift from April highlights the need for continued monitoring of local trends, particularly in categories like criminal damage and arson, which saw a dramatic month-on-month increase. The population-scaled perspective underscores that even in areas with historically low crime rates, fluctuations can occur due to transient factors such as weather, local events, or changes in community activity.