Wem Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Wem's crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents marked a stark contrast to the UK average of 8.0, representing a 32.5% deficit. This relatively low rate reflects a balanced distribution between property and violent crime, with 14 property offences and 13 violent crimes recorded. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.2% of all reported crimes, followed by burglary at 17.7%. This balance suggests a unique dynamic in Wem compared to other areas, where property crime often dominates. Seasonal factors may partly explain this pattern: as September transitions into autumn, the return of students and the start of the academic year could contribute to increased violent incidents. Conversely, the lower-than-average rate of shoplifting (11% below the UK average) might indicate effective local policing strategies or community engagement in retail areas. However, the sharp rise in burglary—212% above the UK average—raises questions about vulnerabilities in residential properties. While Wem’s overall safety profile appears stronger than the national average, the elevated burglary rate highlights a specific area for attention. The town’s character as a smaller built-up area within Shropshire, likely with a mix of residential and commercial zones, may influence these patterns. The interplay between local demographics, seasonal activity, and targeted crime prevention efforts likely shapes the current crime profile in ways that warrant further analysis.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in Wem’s crime profile. Public order offences surged by 200%, jumping from one to three incidents, a stark increase that may reflect heightened activity in communal spaces as nights drew in. Simultaneously, shoplifting plummeted by 66.7%, falling from nine to three incidents—a decline that could be attributed to increased visibility of security measures or seasonal changes in foot traffic. The balance between property and violent crime remained nearly equal, with 14 property crimes and 13 violent crimes reported. This equilibrium contrasts with broader UK trends, where property crime typically exceeds violent crime. Burglary, though relatively rare nationally (0.3 per 1,000), was 212% higher in Wem, indicating a significant local vulnerability. Conversely, violence and sexual offences were 23% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives may be effectively reducing violent incidents. For residents, the 66.7% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible example of how targeted efforts—such as improved lighting or community patrols—can yield measurable results. These shifts underscore the importance of monitoring both rising and falling crime categories to allocate resources effectively.

Wem’s crime rate in September 2023 fell to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, a 32.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.9. This decline aligns with the broader seasonal trend of reduced criminal activity as summer wanes. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one reported crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 185 residents. While this rate is low compared to national averages, the disparity in specific crime types—such as burglary—highlights regional differences. For context, Wem’s population of 6,299 means that each resident faces a 0.054% chance of being directly affected by crime this month. This is significantly lower than the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be 0.08%. However, the elevated burglary rate raises concerns about local security measures. The previous month’s rate of 7.9 per 1,000 suggests that the current drop is part of a broader trend, though it remains to be seen whether this is sustained. Residents may find reassurance in the lower overall rate, but the specific vulnerabilities in burglary and public order offences indicate areas where targeted interventions could further enhance safety.