Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking finding in September 2023 was the 100% increase in shoplifting, robbery, and 'other crime' — all of which rose from zero to four, one, and one incidents respectively. This surge in property-related offences, despite the overall crime rate remaining at 6.4 per 1,000 residents (20% below the UK average), highlights a sudden shift in the local crime picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.9% of all incidents, making them the most common crime type, though their rate (2.7 per 1,000) was 1% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, while down 25% from August, remained 34% above the national average, a disparity that may be linked to the area’s character as a built-up rural community with limited public spaces for social interaction. Seasonal factors likely contributed to these patterns: the return to school and university freshers’ week in September may have increased foot traffic in local retail areas, creating opportunities for shoplifting. Meanwhile, the drop in criminal damage and arson could be tied to the transition from summer to autumn, when outdoor activities and bonfires may decline. The area’s low crime rate overall, combined with its relatively high proportion of violent offences, suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. However, without further data, it is difficult to ascertain whether these trends reflect genuine changes or temporary fluctuations.

September 2023 witnessed a dramatic rise in shoplifting, robbery, and 'other crime' — all increasing by 100% compared to August, moving from zero to four, one, and one incidents respectively. This sharp upward trend in these categories contrasts with a 50% decline in criminal damage and arson, which fell from four to two cases. While anti-social behaviour decreased by 25% (from 16 to 12), it remained 34% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect local social dynamics or reporting patterns. The area’s violent crime rate — 2.7 per 1,000 — was 1% below the UK average, but its share of total crimes (41.9%) underscores the significant role of violence in the local crime profile. For residents, the tripling of shoplifting incidents offers a tangible example of how crime patterns can shift rapidly, even within a single month, despite the overall rate remaining stable.

Crime rates in Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook remained stable compared to August 2023, with the overall rate holding steady at 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no significant shift in the local crime picture over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in September, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 6,676 residents. When scaled to the monthly exposure, this translates to one crime occurring for every 155 residents over the course of the month — a metric that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the community. The population size also means that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a visible impact on residents’ perceptions of safety, though the current rate remains well below the UK average. This stability contrasts with broader national trends, highlighting the area’s unique characteristics, possibly influenced by its rural setting and limited urban infrastructure, which may naturally limit opportunities for certain types of crime.