Featherstone Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 saw Featherstone (South Staffordshire) record a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 8.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a shift in crime patterns, with violence and sexual offences dominating the monthly tally at 21 incidents (43.8% of total crimes), followed by public order offences (6 incidents, 12.5%) and anti-social behaviour (5 incidents, 10.4%). The seasonal context of August—typically a peak month for tourism and outdoor activity—may have contributed to the rise in public order offences, which surged by 500% compared to July. While the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, specific categories like public order and robbery (122% above UK average) highlight areas requiring targeted attention. The town's relatively low property crime rate (14 incidents, 28.6% of total) contrasts with the UK average, possibly due to its smaller retail footprint and lower population density. Anti-social behaviour, though a significant category locally, is 44% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or lower incidence of nuisance crimes. The interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics appears to shape these patterns, with the combination of summer tourism and the town's built-up area character likely influencing both the types and frequencies of reported crimes.

Public order offences in August saw a staggering 500% increase, rising from one to six incidents. This surge, which places the category 50% above the UK average, contrasts sharply with the 50% drop in 'other crime' incidents. The rise in public order offences may be linked to the town's seasonal rhythms, as August marks the peak of summer tourism and outdoor events. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 43.8% of all crimes reported. While this category is 25% above the UK average, its share of total crimes has slightly decreased from July. Drug-related offences doubled from zero to one incident, a change that aligns with the UK's broader trend of rising drug crime. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 50% compared to the UK average, possibly reflecting the town's lower retail density compared to urban centres.

Featherstone's crime rate in August 2023 rose 37.2% compared to July, climbing from 5.4 to 7.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still leaves the area 8.6% below the UK average. Locally, the monthly tally of 48 crimes translates to roughly two crimes reported every day, a figure that may feel more frequent during peak summer hours when the town's retail and leisure spaces are busiest. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 135 residents, a ratio that suggests most residents experience no direct exposure to crime. This statistic contrasts with the area's overall safety profile, which has historically shown lower-than-average rates for property crimes. The population context reveals that Featherstone's relatively small size amplifies the visibility of even minor fluctuations, making the 37.2% increase in the crime rate a notable shift in local policing priorities.