Wem Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2024, Wem recorded 19 crimes across a population of 6,299 residents, translating to a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 individuals. This figure places the area 57.7% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting a marked contrast between local and national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.3% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson at 21.1%. These findings align with Wem's likely profile as a small, built-up area within Shropshire, where the combination of limited commercial activity and seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor engagement during winter months may contribute to lower overall crime rates. The seasonal context of February—characterised by cold weather and shorter daylight hours—may also play a role in shaping these patterns, with potential links to reduced opportunities for crimes such as burglary or theft from the person. However, the data also reveals notable variations within the breakdown, including an 11% surplus in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, which may reflect local challenges such as property maintenance or community-specific risks. The relatively low number of violent crimes compared to the UK average suggests that Wem's environment, influenced by its rural surroundings and smaller population, may foster a safer community profile, though the absence of specific demographic data means this remains a tentative observation. The month's crime statistics underscore the importance of contextualising figures within both local and national frameworks, ensuring that comparisons are drawn with precision and that insights are grounded in the area's unique characteristics.

February 2024 saw notable shifts in Wem's crime profile, with several categories experiencing significant changes. Drug-related offences increased by 100% compared to the previous month, marking a stark rise from zero to one reported incident. Similarly, shoplifting and 'other crime' both doubled in number, reflecting potential changes in local activity or enforcement priorities. Conversely, public order offences plummeted by 75%, and anti-social behaviour dropped by 71.4%, indicating a possible reduction in disturbances during the winter period. These fluctuations contrast with the UK averages, where violence and sexual offences in Wem were 68% below the national rate, while criminal damage and arson were 11% above. The data also reveals that 'other crime' in Wem was 114% above the UK average, a figure that may prompt local authorities to investigate underlying factors. For residents, the most immediate insight is the 100% increase in shoplifting, which could signal heightened activity in retail areas or changes in enforcement patterns.

Wem's crime rate in February 2024 dropped to 3.0 per 1,000 residents, a 26.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.1 per 1,000. This decline suggests a continued trend of reduced criminal activity in the area, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as the pre-spring lull and lower outdoor activity typical of winter months. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over the 29-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. When scaled to the population of 6,299, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 332 residents, a statistic that may resonate with local residents as it provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, but the comparison to the daily and monthly figures offers a more immediate perspective for those living in Wem. The data highlights that while the overall rate is down, specific categories such as public order offences and anti-social behaviour have seen notable decreases, which may reflect community initiatives or changes in local dynamics that warrant further observation.