Wem Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wem's crime profile in October 2023 reveals an unusual concentration of violent and public order offences, with violence and sexual offences surging to 3.8 per 1,000 residents—41% above the UK average. This stark divergence from the area's overall rate of 7.5 per 1,000 (6.2% below the UK average) underscores the combination of crime types and local conditions. The month saw violence and sexual offences account for 51.1% of all reported crimes, far outpacing property crimes (8.5%) and anti-social behaviour (14.9%). This imbalance may reflect the influence of seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and the Halloween period, which can heighten tensions in community spaces. While property crimes like burglary and other thefts decreased by 33.3% compared to September, their rates still exceeded UK averages by significant margins. The area's relatively low overall crime rate compared to the UK suggests a generally safer environment, but the spike in violent crime raises questions about local dynamics. Wem, a small built-up area within Shropshire, may see such fluctuations influenced by its rural-urban mix and the seasonal rhythms of its population. The absence of major retail hubs or nightlife areas could explain the lower property crime rates, though the rise in public order offences might indicate challenges in managing community spaces during darker evenings. These patterns warrant careful analysis to ensure targeted interventions without overgeneralising the area's broader safety profile.

Violence and sexual offences surged by 84.6% in October, rising from 13 to 24 incidents—a rate of 3.8 per 1,000, 41% above the UK average. This spike, coupled with a 133.3% increase in public order offences (from 3 to 7), suggests a shift in crime dynamics during the month. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply by 250%, reflecting a potential link to seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween. Burglary and other thefts both decreased by 33.3%, though these categories still exceeded UK averages by 76% and 52% respectively. The contrast between rising violent crime and falling property crime may indicate a reallocation of criminal activity, possibly influenced by local events or community initiatives. These changes highlight the importance of monitoring specific offence types for targeted policing strategies.

Wem's crime rate in October 2023 rose 38.1% compared to September's 5.4 per 1,000, reaching 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase contrasts with the area's 6.2% below the UK average, highlighting local patterns distinct from national trends. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly 2 crimes reported each day in October, a figure that may reflect seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and Halloween-related activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for community risk. While Wem's overall rate remains below the UK average, the shift in crime composition—particularly the spike in violent and public order offences—suggests a need for targeted local responses. The population context of 6,299 residents means that even small absolute changes in crime numbers can translate to noticeable shifts in local perception and safety planning.