Wem Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wem’s crime rate in May 2023 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This built-up area within Shropshire, a rural county with a mix of small towns and open countryside, shows a crime profile shaped by local dynamics. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.3% of total), followed by shoplifting (25.0%) and anti-social behaviour (16.7%). These figures align with patterns observed in smaller towns where community interactions and local businesses can influence crime trends. May, with its bank holidays and extended daylight hours, likely contributed to increased outdoor socialising and associated public order issues. The relatively low overall rate compared to the UK average may reflect Wem’s compact size and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. Shoplifting in Wem was 288% above the UK average, suggesting a potential link to local retail activity or transient populations during the month. The area’s crime picture, while generally safer than the national average, highlights specific vulnerabilities that warrant attention.

May 2023 saw dramatic shifts in Wem’s crime profile. Shoplifting surged by 200% compared to April, rising from 4 to 12 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, with Wem’s rate at 1.9 per 1,000. This anomaly may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during bank holidays or the presence of retail events. Simultaneously, possession of weapons and public order offences each doubled from April, indicating a potential spike in confrontational incidents or unregulated gatherings. Conversely, vehicle crime and other theft fell by 50%, possibly due to reduced parking activity or heightened awareness during warmer weather. While Wem’s overall rate remains below the UK average, specific categories like shoplifting and weapon possession highlight local challenges. For instance, the 288% increase in shoplifting relative to the UK average suggests a need for targeted retail security measures. These fluctuations underscore the importance of real-time data in addressing emerging crime patterns, even in areas generally considered safer than the national average.

Wem’s crime rate in May 2023 (7.6 per 1,000) marked a 20% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.4 per 1,000, illustrating a short-term upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in May—a manageable frequency for a small built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk in terms of local population density. This monthly exposure rate, while low, should be considered alongside Wem’s compact size and the potential for concentrated incidents in specific zones, such as the town centre. Compared to the UK average, Wem’s overall rate remains 5% lower, yet certain crime types deviate significantly. For example, shoplifting in Wem was 288% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect local retail dynamics or transient populations. These comparisons highlight the value of granular data in understanding how Wem’s unique characteristics—such as its position within Shropshire’s rural network—intersect with broader national trends.