Great Wakering Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Great Wakering's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 32.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure, while modest in absolute terms, reflects a built-up area's relative safety, particularly in the context of violent crime. The top three crime categories were violence and sexual offences (12 cases, 32.4% of total), public order (10 cases, 27.0%), and other theft (4 cases, 10.8%). The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and bank holidays—likely contributed to the elevated public order incidents, which saw a 233.3% month-on-month increase. This trend aligns with patterns observed in similar urbanised areas, where increased socialising and outdoor activity during late spring can drive up disorder-related crimes. Meanwhile, the area's performance in violent crime remained below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 1.8 per 1,000 (32.4% of total incidents) compared to the national rate of 2.8 per 1,000. The lower-than-average rates for criminal damage and arson (68% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (86% below) further highlight the area's relatively stable environment. These outcomes may be attributable to a combination of effective local policing, community engagement initiatives, and the area's character as a mixed-use built-up zone with limited industrial or high-density residential features.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in May 2024 was the 233.3% increase in public order offences, rising from 3 to 10 incidents. This spike, which outpaced all other categories, may reflect heightened social activity during May's longer evenings and bank holidays, a period when outdoor drinking and public gatherings typically intensify. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 20%, dropping from 15 to 12 cases—a decline that, while modest, contrasts with the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (32.4% below the national rate for this category). Drugs-related incidents doubled from zero to two cases, and possession of weapons emerged as a new category entirely, with one reported incident. These shifts reveal a combination of local factors and broader trends: while public order crimes surged, the area remained significantly safer than the UK average for violent crime. Residents may find the 32.1% overall rate reduction from the UK average (8.4 per 1,000) a useful benchmark, particularly as it highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies in mitigating more severe crimes.

Great Wakering's crime rate in May 2024 rose by 32.2% compared to 4.3 per 1,000 in April, marking the first upward movement this year. Locally, this translates to one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a built-up area within Rochford. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate reveals that every 176 residents experienced a crime during May—a statistic that, while low compared to national benchmarks, underscores the need for sustained community vigilance. The increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late spring, when extended daylight and warmer weather often correlate with higher social activity in public spaces. This shift contrasts with the preceding month, where the lower rate may have reflected quieter pre-holiday dynamics or temporary reductions in public gatherings. The local context, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely amplifies the impact of these seasonal fluctuations on crime trends.