Rochford Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Rochford's overall crime rate in January 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 37.8% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a sustained period of lower-than-average crime, though the local profile reveals distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 44.2% of all reported incidents, followed by vehicle crime (8.5%) and criminal damage and arson (8.2%). These figures align with Rochford's likely character as a mixed-use area with a significant retail presence, which may contribute to the prominence of vehicle-related crimes. Seasonal factors in January—such as shorter daylight hours and post-holiday economic activity—may have influenced the crime profile, with reduced outdoor activity lowering shoplifting and public order offences. However, the relatively high share of violent crimes compared to the UK average (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000) suggests local challenges in managing interpersonal conflicts. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (70% below UK levels) and other theft (47% below) indicate effective community policing or environmental factors that deter such offences. These patterns, combined with the area's demographic and geographic characteristics, illustrate a district where targeted interventions have kept crime rates below national benchmarks, though persistent issues in specific categories require ongoing attention.

January 2024 saw notable decreases in vehicle crime, which fell 37.5% from 56 to 35 incidents, potentially reflecting reduced retail footfall during the post-holiday period. Other crime also dropped by 28.6%, from 7 to 5 cases, while drug-related offences declined by 16.7%, from 6 to 5. These reductions contrast with sharp increases in robbery, which surged 166.7% from 3 to 8 incidents, and burglary, which rose 66.7% from 12 to 20. Anti-social behaviour, a category where Rochford's rate was 70% below the UK average (0.3 vs 1.0 per 1,000), remained significantly lower than national levels. Residents may find the 70% gap in anti-social behaviour particularly relevant, as it suggests a strong local effort in managing community disturbances. The rise in burglary, however, underscores the need for continued focus on property crime prevention strategies.

Rochford's crime rate in January 2024 rose 8.2% from the previous month's 4.3 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. below the UK average. Daily crime statistics show an average of 13 crimes reported each day in January, reflecting a consistent level of activity despite seasonal shifts. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 217 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. This rate, while modest, highlights the ongoing need for community vigilance. The population of 89,815 means that the absolute number of crimes (414) translates to a manageable scale for local policing resources, though the slight increase from December suggests monitoring of trends is essential. Comparing this to the UK average, Rochford's lower overall rate may partly reflect its relatively smaller size and lower population density, factors that can influence crime dynamics in ways distinct from larger urban centres.