Wem Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wem’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.6% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This slight elevation, though modest, reflects broader patterns in the area’s crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the landscape, accounting for 37% of all incidents, followed closely by criminal damage and arson (14.8%) and public order offences (13%). These figures align with the semi-rural nature of Wem, where community spaces and local events may contribute to higher rates of public disorder. The summer season, marked by school holidays and festivals, likely amplified outdoor activity, potentially influencing crime patterns. For instance, the surge in public order offences could be linked to increased foot traffic during events or heightened tensions in public spaces. However, the decline in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour suggests that targeted initiatives—such as enhanced retail security or community policing—may have had a positive impact. Seasonal factors, including warmer weather and extended daylight hours, may also have influenced crime distribution, with more incidents occurring during evenings and weekends. While the overall rate remains relatively low, the disparities between Wem’s crime profile and the UK average underscore the need for tailored approaches to local safety challenges. These patterns will require continued monitoring to ensure that interventions remain effective as the area evolves.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in July 2023 was the 250% increase in public order offences, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This jump, coupled with a 100% rise in burglaries and drug-related crimes, highlights a potential shift in local dynamics. Conversely, shoplifting fell by two-thirds, and anti-social behaviour dropped by 36.4%, indicating possible successes in targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences also declined by 25.9%, though they still accounted for 37% of all crimes, significantly above the UK average of 15%. Criminal damage and arson rates were 103% higher than the UK average, a stark contrast to anti-social behaviour, which was 23% below the national figure. These disparities suggest that local enforcement strategies may have had mixed effects, with some categories seeing marked improvements while others saw sharp increases. Residents may find the 67% drop in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it could reflect changes in retail security measures or seasonal shopping patterns.

Wem’s crime rate in July 2023 remained stable compared to June, declining by 1.8% to 8.6 per 1,000 residents from 8.7 per 1,000. This minor fluctuation suggests little change in overall crime trends, though local factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 6,299 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 117 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents relative to the community size. This figure, though modest, underscores the importance of consistent policing and community engagement in maintaining local safety. The stability in crime rate contrasts with the sharp increases in specific categories, which will be explored in the highlights section. Population density and the town’s semi-rural character likely play a role in shaping these dynamics, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct links.