Highworth Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 marked a significant shift in Highworth’s crime profile, with the most dramatic month-on-month change being the 400% surge in criminal damage and arson. This category, which accounted for 14.3% of all crimes reported, rose from one to five incidents—a jump that dwarfs other fluctuations in the area’s crime profile. While the overall crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents remained 45.5% below the UK average of 7.7, the composition of crimes tells a more nuanced story. Violence and sexual offences, at 40% of total crimes, remained the most common category.7 per 1,000 was 34% below the UK average. This may reflect Highworth’s status as a built-up area within Swindon, where smaller population density and limited nightlife contribute to lower violent crime rates. Seasonal factors likely played a role in the increase in criminal damage and arson, with the Easter period and spring weather potentially encouraging outdoor activity or events that could lead to property-related incidents. Public order offences also rose by 100%, though this category remained 6% below the UK average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell sharply, due to increased community engagement or targeted interventions during the Easter break. The area’s low rates of theft from the person, shoplifting, and vehicle crime—each 79% to 85% below the UK average—suggest that Highworth’s built-up nature, combined with its integration into Swindon’s infrastructure, may reduce opportunities for such crimes. These patterns align with the broader trend of Highworth being a relatively safe area, but the rise in specific categories indicates that localised factors, such as seasonal events or community dynamics, can significantly influence crime trends.

The most striking change in April 2024 was the 400% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to five incidents. This jump, while not reflected in other categories, suggests a specific catalyst—possibly linked to seasonal factors or local events during the Easter period. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 42.9%, a decline that may indicate effective policing or community initiatives in recent weeks. Violence and sexual offences also decreased by 17.6%, though this remains above the UK average for the category by 34%. The area’s violent crime rate—1.7 per 1,000—was lower than the UK average of 2.6, a difference that could be attributed to Highworth’s relatively small population and the absence of high-density nightlife areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime remained low, with rates 85% and 79% below the UK average respectively. These figures suggest that Highworth’s built-up character, combined with its proximity to Swindon’s broader infrastructure, may create a unique crime profile where property damage and public order issues dominate over theft-related offences.

Highworth’s crime rate in April 2024 rose 12.8% compared to March, moving from 3.7 to 4.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in crime patterns that warrants closer analysis. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one reported crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents for local residents. Monthly exposure places the risk at one crime for every 241 residents, a rate that, while low, suggests a consistent presence of crime in a community of 8,432 people. This figure, when viewed alongside the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlights Highworth’s relative safety. However, the rise in specific categories—particularly criminal damage and arson—adds nuance to the overall picture. The area’s built-up nature within Swindon may influence these trends, with local infrastructure or seasonal events potentially contributing to the increase in property-related crimes. Residents should note that while the overall rate remains well below the UK average, targeted crime types require attention.