Harwich Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Harwich's overall crime rate in February 2025 stood at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.9% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (15.2%) and burglary (10.1%). These figures align with the area's character as a built-up coastal town within Tendring, where high foot traffic and seasonal patterns may influence crime dynamics. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity, which may contribute to a focus on property crimes and indoor disputes. However, the dramatic rise in burglary—surging from one incident to 16—defies typical seasonal expectations. This spike contrasts with the 45.5% drop in shoplifting and 40% decline in vehicle crime, suggesting a shift in criminal focus. The violent crime rate, at 2.9 per 1,000, is 23% above the UK average, linked to the town's proximity to larger urban centres and transient populations. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains 28% below the UK average, reflecting community cohesion or effective local policing. The seasonal context of February—a pre-spring lull with colder temperatures—may have influenced the mix of crimes, with property offences dominating over public order issues. These patterns underscore the need for targeted strategies to address rising burglary rates while maintaining efforts to sustain the decline in shoplifting and vehicle crime.

The most striking month-on-month change was a 1500% increase in burglary, rising from one incident to 16. This surge far outpaced other shifts, including a 45.5% drop in shoplifting and a 40% decline in vehicle crime. The violent crime category, accounting for 38% of all incidents, remained 23% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 2.9 per 1,000. Conversely, anti-social behaviour was 28% below the UK average, a notable contrast to other categories. Drug-related crimes saw a 400% increase, rising from one to five, while robbery doubled from zero to one. These fluctuations suggest shifting dynamics in local crime patterns, with property crimes dominating the spike and public order offences showing modest declines. For residents, the 45.5% reduction in shoplifting may indicate improved retail security measures or seasonal factors influencing theft trends.

Harwich's crime rate in February 2025 remained stable at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, unchanged from January's figure. This consistency suggests no major disruptions in policing or community activity during the month. On a daily basis, Harwich recorded approximately six crimes per day, a figure that reflects the area's built-up nature within Tendring. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 133 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure rate. When compared to the UK average, Harwich's rate of 7.5 per 1,000 places it 11.9% above the national figure, though the population context shows that this translates to a manageable number of incidents for a town of 21,037 residents. The stable rate contrasts with the dramatic shifts observed in specific crime categories, such as burglary, which saw a 1500% increase. This highlights the importance of focusing on individual crime types when assessing local trends, as overall stability can mask significant fluctuations in particular areas.