Monthly Crime Statistics

Southend-on-Sea Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Southend-on-Sea’s crime rate in August 2023 was 9.9 per 1,000 residents, 22.2% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly 40% of all reported crimes.

1,838
Total Crimes
9.9
Per 1,000 People
8.1
UK Average
-4.2%
vs Previous Month

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Southend-on-Sea’s crime rate in August 2023 was 9.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 22.2% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This disparity, though consistent with broader trends, reflects a combination of local factors and national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.2% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 48% higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This category’s prominence may be linked to the area’s coastal tourism and summer nightlife, which can heighten opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed closely, contributing 17.6% of total crimes, though these were 37% and 50% below the UK average, respectively. The seasonal context of August—as a peak holiday month—likely contributes to fluctuations in crime patterns, with increased foot traffic and empty homes potentially raising burglary risks. However, the area’s overall crime rate remains a concern, particularly when compared to the UK norm. The breakdown also highlights a stark contrast in property crime distribution: while theft from the person rose sharply, burglary fell by nearly 30%, due to increased police presence or community initiatives targeting vacant properties. These trends, though not definitive, suggest a need for targeted strategies to address violent crime and drug-related offences, which remain high compared to the national average.

August 2023 saw stark contrasts in crime trends, with theft from the person surging by 127.3% (11 to 25 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 87.5% (16 to 30). These increases, though significant, occurred alongside notable declines in burglary (down 29.7%) and anti-social behaviour (down 13.8%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—39.2% of all crimes—placed Southend 48% above the UK average for this category, a discrepancy that may reflect local factors such as seasonal tourism or urban density. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes in the area were 127% above the UK average, a figure that, while not directly linked to August’s peak holiday season, could indicate persistent challenges in addressing substance misuse. For residents, the sharp rise in theft from the person—a category often linked to crowded public spaces—underscores the need for vigilance during busy periods.

Southend-on-Sea’s crime rate in August 2023 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, a 4.2% decrease from July’s 10.4 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the broader trend of remaining 22.2% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 59 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while consistent with prior months, highlights the persistent demand for local policing resources. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure of one crime per 101 residents underscores the need for community engagement strategies, particularly in areas where crime rates remain elevated. This monthly aggregate, though not directly comparable to national figures, provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, emphasizing that while overall crime is declining, the area’s rate remains higher than the UK norm.

Crime Breakdown - August 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences7213.939.2%
Anti-social behaviour1630.98.9%
Public order1600.98.7%
Other theft1560.88.5%
Criminal damage and arson1370.77.5%
Shoplifting1350.77.3%
Vehicle crime870.54.7%
Drugs850.54.6%
Burglary640.43.5%
Possession of weapons300.21.6%
Other crime280.21.5%
Robbery280.21.5%
Theft from the person250.11.4%
Bicycle theft190.11%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Southend-on-Sea

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 6 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month