Harwich Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Harwich, 7 crimes were reported in August 2023 — 13.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate translates to a daily risk of roughly 5 crimes per day across the built-up area, with one reported crime occurring for every 142 residents over the course of the month. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (52.7% of total), followed by public order (10.1%) and anti-social behaviour (9.5%). August, as a peak holiday month, likely contributes to higher rates of public order offences and violence, with increased foot traffic from tourists and seasonal changes affecting local dynamics. While violence rates in Harwich (3.7 per 1,000) are 40% above the UK average, other categories like anti-social behaviour (51% below UK average) and vehicle crime (80% below UK average) show significant divergence. These patterns may reflect Harwich's coastal character, where tourism influences public spaces but property crime remains relatively low compared to more densely populated urban centres. The seasonal context of August — with its mix of holiday activity and summer evenings — could also explain the higher proportion of violent crimes compared to other months, though this connection remains hedged by the lack of direct causation data.

August 2023 saw a 15.4% increase in public order offences, rising from 13 to 15 incidents. This shift contrasts with steep declines in other categories: drugs-related crimes dropped 54.5% (from 11 to 5), burglary fell 50% (from 8 to 4), and criminal damage and arson decreased 43.5% (from 23 to 13). These changes suggest a month-on-month realignment in crime patterns, with public order issues becoming more prominent. Harwich’s violent crime rate (3.7 per 1,000) is 40% above the UK average, a stark contrast to its 51% below average for anti-social behaviour (0.7 vs 1.4 per 1,000). The town’s vehicle crime rate (0.1 per 1,000) is 80% below the UK average, potentially reflecting lower car density or better street lighting in residential areas. For residents, the most immediate insight is the sharp drop in burglary — from 8 to 4 cases — which may indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the summer months. This decline, however, must be viewed alongside the rise in public order offences, which could signal increased pressure on local policing resources during peak tourist season.

Harwich’s crime rate in August 2023 (7.0 per 1,000) represents a 28.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.8 per 1,000. This drop, while significant, must be contextualised within the area’s unique demographics. The daily crime count of 5 incidents per day (148 total over 31 days) is a local figure, but it provides residents with a tangible sense of risk: over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 142 residents. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which is not directly comparable due to missing national data. The population context further highlights Harwich’s relative safety — with 21,037 residents, the crime rate remains low even when accounting for the area’s coastal character and seasonal fluctuations. The decline in burglary, for instance, may be partially explained by the summer months deterring intruders, though this is hedged by the lack of direct evidence. Meanwhile, the rise in public order offences could reflect increased police visibility during peak tourist hours. These comparisons underscore the importance of viewing Harwich’s crime data within its specific geographic and social framework, rather than as a generic reflection of national trends.