Harwich Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Harwich's crime rate in October 2023 reached 8.2 per 1,000, placing it 2.5% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a combination of rising violent crime and declining property crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 52.9% of all reported incidents. The sharp increase in this category—91 cases, a 9.6% rise from September—contrasts with a 62.5% drop in burglary and 50% reductions in robbery and 'other crime'. The seasonal context of October, with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, may have influenced patterns. Violence and sexual offences remain the dominant concern, significantly outpacing UK averages, while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also exceed national rates. This shift in the crime profile suggests a potential realignment in local dynamics, with violent crime becoming a more pressing issue. The area's overall rate, while slightly above the UK average, remains within a manageable range, particularly when considering the significant declines in property-related offences. Harwich's crime picture in October highlights the need for targeted approaches to address rising violent crime, even as other categories show encouraging reductions.

Violence and sexual offences rose sharply in October, increasing by 9.6% to 91 cases, a figure that is 59% above the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This unexpected surge contrasts with declines in other categories, such as burglary, which dropped 62.5% to three incidents from eight in September. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, remained below the UK average, contributing 11.6% of total crimes. The sharp increase in violent crime raises questions about local factors. For residents, the most immediate concern is the rise in violence and sexual offences, which now account for over half of all recorded crimes. Other notable shifts include a 50% decrease in robbery and a 50% reduction in 'other crime' incidents, both of which may reflect seasonal changes or increased community efforts. The contrast between rising violent crime and falling property crime highlights a shift in the area's crime profile, with implications for local policing priorities.

Harwich's crime rate in October 2023 fell by 11.8% compared to September's 9.3 per 1,000, marking a notable downward trend. This reduction is evident across several categories, including burglary, other crime, and robbery, which saw declines of 62.5%, 50%, and 50% respectively. On a daily basis, Harwich experienced approximately six crimes per day in October, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 122 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a clear snapshot of the area's safety profile, highlighting that while crime remains present, its frequency is relatively low compared to the broader UK context. The population of 21,037 further contextualises these figures, showing that the likelihood of encountering crime is not high for residents. The drop in overall crime, combined with specific category declines, suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal factors may have contributed to this shift, though further analysis would be needed to confirm such connections.