Brightlingsea Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Brightlingsea’s crime rate in May 2024 remained markedly lower than the UK average, standing at 3.8 per 1,000 residents — 54.8% below the national figure of 8.4. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violent crimes, which accounted for 48.5% of total incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.2%). These figures align with Brightlingsea’s character as a coastal town, where public spaces and social interactions play a significant role in shaping crime patterns. The rise in anti-social behaviour, though notable, may be partly explained by May’s extended evenings and bank holidays, which could encourage more outdoor socialising and associated disturbances. Conversely, property crimes such as burglary and criminal damage and arson saw declines, reflecting a broader trend of reduced property-related incidents. This shift may be linked to the area’s relatively small population and the absence of high-density housing typical of larger urban centres. The seasonal context of May — with its longer daylight hours and increased tourism — further complicates the relationship between environmental factors and crime, though the data suggests that local initiatives or community cohesion may be contributing to the area’s consistently low crime rates compared to the UK average.

May 2024 saw a 250% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 2 to 7 incidents, a sharp contrast to the 60% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 5 to 2. Theft from the person also doubled, climbing from 0 to 1, a spike that may reflect increased foot traffic during May’s extended evenings. Meanwhile, burglary rates dropped by two-thirds, from 3 to 1, aligning with broader trends of reduced property crime. Brightlingsea’s violent crime rate — 1.8 per 1,000 — remains 37% below the UK average, a figure that underscores the area’s resilience despite seasonal fluctuations. The category of ‘other crime’ rose 50%, from 2 to 3, a modest increase that contrasts with the 76% gap above the UK average for the same category. These shifts illustrate a combination of local factors, such as the town’s coastal character and seasonal social dynamics, influencing crime patterns.

Brightlingsea's crime rate in May 2024 rose 6.5% from the previous month, moving from 3.5 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. While this slight increase may reflect seasonal patterns — such as extended evenings and bank holidays encouraging outdoor activity — the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average. Locally, the daily crime count averaged just one incident per day over the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the area’s generally low crime profile. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 266 residents, a statistic that places the area well within the safer end of the UK spectrum. This consistency with historical trends suggests that while fluctuations occur, the underlying safety of Brightlingsea persists, even as specific categories like anti-social behaviour show sharp month-on-month increases. The comparison to the UK average further highlights the area’s distinctiveness, with crime rates in key categories such as violence and sexual offences remaining 37% below national levels.