Harwich Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2025, Harwich (a coastal built-up area within Tendring) recorded 171 crimes, equating to a rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 9.5% higher than the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a persistent challenge for local law enforcement. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.9% of all reported incidents (75 cases), followed closely by shoplifting (12.9%) and anti-social behaviour (12.9%). These patterns align with Harwich's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist activity, where late-night retail and leisure spaces may contribute to higher rates of violent and property crime. Seasonal factors in September—such as the start of the academic year and shorter evenings—may have influenced these figures, though the exact connection requires further analysis. The breakdown also shows that shoplifting (22 incidents) was 80% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), linked to Harwich's high street and tourist presence. Conversely, anti-social behaviour was 6% below the UK average (1.2 per 1,000), reflecting community-focused policing efforts. While the overall crime rate remains elevated, the month-on-month decline of 4.5% suggests some progress in addressing key issues, though the persistent gap between Harwich and the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions in violent and property crime categories.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns. Other crime increased by 300%, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, while robbery nearly doubled (1 to 3). These spikes contrast with decreases in shoplifting (-37.1%) and other theft (-60%), which may reflect seasonal changes such as back-to-school routines reducing retail theft. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly above the UK average (40% higher), consistent with Harwich's history of higher violent crime rates compared to national trends. Conversely, vehicle crime was 50% below the UK average, possibly linked to Harwich's lower population density and fewer car-centric areas. The 8.1 per 1,000 crime rate—9.5% above the UK average—highlights a persistent challenge for local authorities, though the month-on-month 4.5% decline suggests some progress in addressing specific crime types. Residents may find the 6 crimes per day figure useful for understanding local risk levels.

Harwich's crime rate in September 2025 fell to 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a 4.5% drop from the previous month's 8.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader seasonal trend as the area transitions from summer to autumn. On a daily basis, 6 crimes were reported each day in September, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 123 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: in a community of 21,037 people, the likelihood of encountering a crime is roughly 0.8% over 30 days. When compared to the UK average, Harwich's rate remains 9.5% higher, though the month-on-month reduction suggests some local initiatives or seasonal dynamics may be influencing crime patterns. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while Harwich's rate is above the national average, the absolute number of crimes (171) is manageable for a town of this size, with crime concentrated in specific categories like violence and shoplifting.