Walton-on-the-Naze Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Walton-on-the-Naze’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, 21.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This rate, though modest, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (37.5% of all incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (17.5%) and shoplifting (12.5%). The area’s position as a coastal town within Tendring likely contributes to these patterns, with tourism and seasonal activity—such as the Easter period—potentially driving fluctuations in crime types. For instance, shoplifting and burglary may be linked to increased foot traffic during the Easter holiday, while the relatively low rate of violence and sexual offences could indicate a community with strong social cohesion or effective local policing. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and extended daylight hours—may also have influenced outdoor activity, affecting both property and public order offences. However, the sharp rise in burglary and other theft suggests that new vulnerabilities, such as temporary occupancy of properties or targeted crime during peak tourist periods, may be emerging. These trends highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and tailored interventions, particularly in areas with high visitor numbers or seasonal fluctuations in population.

The most dramatic month-on-month change occurred in burglary, which jumped 100% from zero to five incidents, alongside a 100% increase in other theft and vehicle crime. These spikes contrast with a 16.7% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 18 to 15 cases. The shift in crime mix reveals a growing emphasis on property-related offences, with property crimes accounting for 52.5% of all incidents (21 out of 40), compared to 37.5% for violent crimes. Criminal damage and arson—accounting for 17.5% of crimes—surpassed the UK average by 64%, a figure that may reflect local vulnerabilities, such as the area’s historic buildings or seasonal events. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 75% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively stable community environment despite the recent spikes in property crime.

Walton-on-the-Naze’s crime rate in April 2023 rose 21.0% from the previous month’s 4.9 per 1,000 to 5.9 per 1,000, reflecting a gradual upward trend. This rate translates to approximately one reported crime per day across the 30-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the local context of a small built-up area within Tendring. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 169 residents, a monthly exposure rate that positions the area as relatively safe compared to larger urban centres. The population of 6,740 means each resident is statistically less likely to be directly affected than in more densely populated regions, though the absolute numbers of specific crimes—such as burglary and other theft—still warrant attention. The shift in crime types, including a 100% increase in burglary, suggests evolving patterns that may reflect seasonal or localized factors, such as increased foot traffic during Easter or changes in property occupancy.