Walton-on-the-Naze Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 150 residents in Walton-on-the-Naze, one crime was reported in October 2024. The area’s crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents places it 17.3% below the UK average of 8.1, reflecting a relatively safer environment compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 44.4% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (17.8%) and criminal damage (13.3%). These patterns align with the town’s character as a coastal resort with a seasonal retail presence. Halloween’s approach likely contributed to increased shoplifting activity, as darker evenings and foot traffic in local stores create opportunities for theft. The relatively low burglary rate (2.2% of all crimes) contrasts with the UK average, possibly reflecting the town’s compact built-up area and limited high-value property density. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 40% month-on-month, suggesting a reduction in disturbances during October’s shorter evenings. While violence remains above the UK average for its category, the overall decline in violent crime (9.1% from September) indicates a stabilising trend. The balance between property and violent crime—nearly equal at 48% and 44% respectively—suggests a mix of local and transient factors influencing the crime profile.

October 2024 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+100% from September) and other crime (+50%), while public order offences fell by 40%. Shoplifting’s rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents is 67% above the UK average, highlighting a particular vulnerability in retail areas. This surge likely reflects Halloween-related activity, with increased foot traffic in the town’s narrow high street creating opportunities for theft. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 14.3%, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity as October’s darker evenings began. Violence and sexual offences, though still 12% above the UK average, decreased by 9.1% from September, potentially linked to seasonal transitions and reduced late-night socialising. The category of 'other crime'—which includes unclassified offences—rose sharply by 50%, indicating a need for further analysis into specific patterns. These shifts underscore how local rhythms, from seasonal holidays to environmental factors, can influence crime dynamics in a coastal town.

Walton-on-the-Naze’s crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in October 2024 represents a 22.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.6, marking a significant downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day during October, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the town’s small population of 6,740 residents. Over the course of the month, this equates to one reported crime for every 150 residents—a metric that provides a tangible sense of risk for local households. When compared to the UK average, the area’s overall crime rate is lower, but specific categories reveal divergent patterns. For instance, while shoplifting and other crime are high, burglary is 39% below the UK average, possibly due to the built-up area’s compact layout and limited detached housing. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Walton-on-the-Naze’s lower overall rate is maintained despite elevated rates in certain categories, suggesting a unique interplay between local characteristics and national trends. This contrast underscores how a small coastal town can have distinct crime profiles shaped by its geography, demographics, and seasonal activity.