Highworth Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 saw Highworth report 2.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 70.2% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile, even during peak summer months when festivals and outdoor events typically draw crowds. The most common crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 28.6% of all reported incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (23.8%) and criminal damage and arson (9.5%). These figures align with Highworth’s character as a built-up area within Swindon, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to lower overall crime rates. However, one category stands out: possession of weapons, which was 186% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This anomaly could be linked to isolated incidents rather than a broader trend, though the small number of cases makes definitive conclusions difficult. Seasonal factors, such as the closure of schools and increased foot traffic during summer festivals, likely influence anti-social behaviour and public order offences, but a direct causal link. The low property crime rate—just 5 incidents overall—suggests effective community engagement or environmental design features that deter burglary and theft. As Highworth navigates its summer season, these patterns offer insights into both the strengths and potential vulnerabilities of its crime prevention strategies.

July 2024 marked notable shifts in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences doubling from zero to one incident, shoplifting rising by 100% (from zero to one), and possession of weapons increasing to two cases—tripling the UK average. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal changes, such as increased alcohol consumption during festivals or the movement of transient populations. Conversely, burglary fell by 75% compared to June, dropping from four to one incident, while other theft offences declined by two-thirds, suggesting effective policing or community awareness campaigns. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, with 6 incidents reported—52% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy could be attributed to Highworth’s relatively tight-knit community and local initiatives targeting nuisance behaviour. Violence and sexual offences also fell sharply, at 79% below the UK average, though this may partly explain the overall low crime rate. Residents might find the 186% above-average rate for possession of weapons concerning, though the small number of cases (just two) means this remains an outlier rather than a systemic issue. The data highlights both areas of strength and isolated concerns, offering a nuanced picture of Highworth’s crime profile.

Highworth’s crime rate in July 2024 (2.5 per 1,000) marked a 25% decline from June’s 3.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 402 residents, a figure that contextualizes the low frequency of incidents within the area’s population of 8,432. Daily crime statistics show an average of one incident per day, a rate that is significantly lower than the UK’s broader patterns. This monthly exposure—1 in 402 residents—suggests that most Highworth residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives, even during peak summer activity. The area’s population size also plays a role: with fewer residents than many urban centres, Highworth’s crime statistics are naturally less volatile, though this does not detract from the significance of its 70.2% gap below the UK average. The previous month’s rate (3.3) and the current rate (2.5) highlight a consistent effort to maintain safety, possibly through targeted interventions or community cohesion. While the 186% above-average rate for possession of weapons may seem alarming, its small absolute value (two incidents) means it remains an isolated concern rather than a systemic issue. These comparisons reinforce Highworth’s position as a low-crime built-up area, even as it navigates the challenges of summer tourism and seasonal events.