Great Wakering Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 marked a striking shift in Great Wakering’s crime profile, with a 66.7% decline in criminal damage, public order offences, and drug-related crimes compared to December. This unexpected drop, which saw these categories fall from three incidents each to one, contrasts sharply with the continued prominence of violent crimes, which accounted for 65.2% of all reported incidents. At 3.5 per 1,000 residents, the area’s overall crime rate remains 48.5% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a gap that underscores the effectiveness of local policing or the influence of the area’s built-up yet likely rural character. Seasonal factors, including post-holiday lulls and reduced retail footfall, may partly explain this trend, as January typically sees lower crime rates in areas with less commercial activity. Violent crimes, while still the most common category, were 8% below the UK average for this type, suggesting a possible alignment with the area’s demographics or the impact of shorter daylight hours on public safety. Anti-social behaviour and other thefts, though minor contributors, also fell significantly below national averages, highlighting a broader pattern of lower-than-expected crime in this part of Rochford. The data illustrates a community where violent incidents dominate but remain relatively rare compared to the UK as a whole, with seasonal and geographical factors likely playing a key role in shaping these outcomes.

January 2026 saw a 66.7% drop in criminal damage and arson, public order offences, and drug-related crimes, all of which had previously been reported at three incidents each in December. This sharp decline contrasts with the 15 violent crimes recorded—a category that remains 8% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour.3 per 1,000, was 68% below the UK rate, suggesting effective local measures or seasonal factors. The absence of property crimes in the top three categories is notable, with only three property crimes reported overall. Residents may find the 66.7% reduction in drug-related offences particularly reassuring, as this category often correlates with nightlife activity, which is likely subdued in January due to post-holiday lulls.

Great Wakering’s crime rate in January 2026 (3.5 per 1,000 residents) reflects a 39.5% drop from December’s 5.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may partly explain lower outdoor crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the rate for residents. Monthly exposure shows that, over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 284 residents—a statistic that provides a tangible sense of risk for local households. Compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, Great Wakering’s rate remains significantly lower, though the population context highlights how local demographics and geography shape crime trends. The built-up area’s proximity to Rochford and its likely rural surroundings may contribute to this divergence, as smaller communities often see more pronounced fluctuations in crime levels.