Brightlingsea Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Brightlingsea’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 54.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistent pattern of low crime in the area, which is typical of coastal towns with strong community cohesion and limited urban density. The most common category of crime was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.9% of all incidents, though this rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 41% below the UK average. The second and third most frequent categories were criminal damage and arson (16.1%) and burglary (9.7%), both of which fell significantly below national levels. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as April’s Easter period and spring weather may have increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to a higher proportion of violent incidents. However, the overall low rate suggests that local initiatives or geographic characteristics—such as a small, closely-knit population—may act as natural deterrents to crime. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted slightly compared to previous months, with property offences making up a smaller share of the total, due to the surge in burglary and vehicle crime. These fluctuations, while notable, remain within the broader context of Brightlingsea’s historically low crime profile.

April 2024 saw a 100% increase in burglary and vehicle crime compared to March, with three and one incidents respectively. This contrasted with a 50% drop in public order offences and a 33% reduction in other theft and other crime categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, contributing 41.9% of all crimes, but this rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 41% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The surge in burglary may reflect seasonal patterns, such as increased outdoor activity during spring, though no direct link to specific events is confirmed. Residents might note that despite the overall low crime rate, the absolute number of burglaries rose sharply, warranting continued awareness of home security measures.

Brightlingsea's crime rate in April 2024 dropped by 18.5% compared to March 2024, falling from 4.3 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the area’s generally low crime profile, which has consistently lagged behind national averages. On a daily basis, the town recorded an average of one crime per day over the month, a figure that may reflect its relatively small population and the nature of local activity. When scaled to the population of 8,782, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 283 residents over the course of April. This monthly exposure rate highlights the rarity of crime in the area, though it also underscores the importance of maintaining local vigilance given the limited margin for error in such a small community. The drop from March may be influenced by seasonal factors, with Easter-related events drawing attention away from routine criminal activity or reducing opportunities for certain offences.