Grays Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a significant shift in Grays' crime profile, with the most dramatic change being the 166.7% surge in 'Other crime'—a category encompassing a range of less common but impactful offences. This spike, combined with a 76.9% increase in burglary and a 50% rise in robbery, underscores a notable uptick in property-related and violent crimes during the month. The overall crime rate for Grays in February stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 11.3% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This places Grays in a position where its crime profile is higher than the national benchmark, particularly in categories such as violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.2% of all reported crimes. The rate for these offences—3.1 per 1,000—exceeds the UK average by 24%, suggesting a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime in the built-up area. Anti-social behaviour, while contributing 10.1% of all crimes, remained 24% below the UK average, highlighting a contrast in the area's crime mix compared to other regions. Seasonal factors, such as the low outdoor activity typical of winter months, may have influenced the overall crime pattern, though the sharp rise in specific categories like burglary and 'Other crime' suggests more immediate local dynamics at play. The data also reveals a 59% increase in vehicle crime compared to the UK average, which may be linked to Grays' commuter infrastructure and the presence of parking areas that attract such offences. As a built-up area within Thurrock, Grays' crime profile reflects a combination of urban pressures and the seasonal rhythm of a winter month, with the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories becoming increasingly apparent.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in February 2024 was the 166.7% increase in 'Other crime,' which rose from 3 to 8 incidents. This category, which includes a range of less common but impactful offences, now accounts for 2.3% of all reported crimes in Grays. Concurrently, burglary saw a 76.9% rise, jumping from 13 to 23 incidents, reflecting a sharp upward trend in property-related crimes. This increase aligns with the UK average for burglary, which is 0.3 per 1,000, though Grays' rate of 0.5 per 1,000 is 67% above the national benchmark. Meanwhile, theft from the person dropped by 50%, from 4 to 2 incidents, a decline that may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic in public spaces during winter. The area's rate for violence and sexual offences remains high, at 3.1 per 1,000—24% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000—highlighting a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime in the built-up area.

Grays' crime rate in February 2024 rose to 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a 10.5% increase from the previous month's 7.2 per 1,000. This marks the first upward movement in the area's crime statistics since last autumn, with the overall rate now 11.3% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 12 crimes per day in February, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity across the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for the population of 44,800. While this rate aligns with seasonal patterns typical of a winter month—where low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may influence crime trends—it also highlights the need for continued monitoring of specific categories that have shown significant shifts. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while the rate is above the UK average, it remains relatively low compared to other urban centres, with the majority of crimes concentrated in a few categories such as violence and property-related offences.