Clacton-on-Sea Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a town with a population of 53,342, Clacton-on-Sea recorded 676 crimes in July 2024, equating to 12.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 51.2% higher than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the national trend. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 45.9% of all incidents (310 cases), significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson (9.8%) and anti-social behaviour (8.7%) followed, though the latter was 24% below the UK average. July’s peak summer season, with schools closed and tourism at its height, likely contributed to this pattern. Festivals and outdoor events in the town centre may have increased opportunities for public order offences and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, the high proportion of violent crime could reflect the area’s proximity to coastal attractions, where transient populations may interact with local communities. This is consistent with other coastal towns experiencing spikes in violent crime during summer months. The data also shows a notable disparity in property crime: shoplifting and other thefts, though elevated compared to the UK average, were not as prominent as violent crime. This suggests a shift in crime dynamics compared to other regions, influenced by local socio-economic factors or policing strategies.

July 2024 saw sharp spikes in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft surged by 400%, rising from 1 to 5 incidents, while robbery increased by 150% (4 to 10). These jumps may reflect the influx of tourists and seasonal visitors, who often leave bikes unattended in public areas. Criminal damage and arson also rose by 78.4% (37 to 66), potentially linked to increased alcohol consumption at summer events. Conversely, some categories saw reductions: possession of weapons fell by 66.7% (9 to 3), due to enhanced policing during festivals, and burglary dropped by 36.8% (38 to 24), which may indicate improved security measures or community vigilance. Violent crime remains the most pressing concern, with rates 104% above the UK average. This is particularly striking given that anti-social behaviour was 24% below the national average, suggesting a combination of factors. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 45.9% share of violent and sexual offences, which would translate to roughly 1 in 22 residents being affected by such crimes this month. This underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as the town’s nightlife zones or popular tourist spots.

Clacton-on-Sea’s crime rate of 12.7 per 1,000 in July 2024 marks a 13.9% increase from the previous month’s rate of 11.1. On a daily basis, this equates to 22 crimes per day—roughly one every 4.5 hours. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 79 residents, a figure that highlights the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. When scaled to the town’s 53,342 residents, the 676 total crimes represent a significant burden, particularly given the area’s coastal tourism economy. This rate is higher than the UK average, but it is important to contextualise this within the area’s unique characteristics. For example, the town’s compact built-up area and reliance on seasonal tourism may create concentrated pockets of vulnerability. The daily crime count, while seemingly high, is a localised metric and should not be directly compared to national figures, as UK averages are derived from a much larger and more diverse range of urban and rural areas. Residents may find the 1-in-79 monthly exposure statistic more relatable, as it illustrates the scale of risk in a way that aligns with local demographics. This comparison also underscores the need for tailored strategies that address the specific challenges of a coastal town with fluctuating population densities.