Westward Ho! Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking finding in July 2024 was the unexpected rise in drug-related incidents and theft from the person, both increasing from zero to one occurrence each—a 100% surge. This contrasted with a 36.4% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 11 to 7, and a 50% drop in criminal damage and arson. Westward Ho!'s overall crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents remains 71.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a position that has persisted despite the summer's usual spikes in foot traffic and events. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (53.9% of total crimes), followed by other theft (23.1%). This mix is consistent with its character as a small coastal town where tourism and seasonal festivals typically drive activity but not necessarily crime. The low property crime rate (5 out of 13 total incidents) may reflect the area's limited retail presence and the transient nature of its population. July's peak summer conditions, with schools out and festivals in full swing, likely contributed to the unexpected rise in drug-related incidents, which could be linked to increased visitor numbers or local event-related activity. While the overall rate remains stable, the shift in crime types highlights the need for targeted awareness in areas frequented by tourists.

July 2024 saw two crime types surge unexpectedly: drugs and theft from the person, both rising by 100% from zero to one incident each. This contrasts sharply with the 36.4% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 11 to 7, and the 50% drop in criminal damage and arson. The shift in crime mix reveals a move away from property-related incidents toward more discreet, low-impact offences. Violence and sexual offences in Westward Ho! remain 54% below the UK average (2.9 per 1,000), while other theft is 2% above the national rate (0.6 per 1,000). For residents, the daily crime count of zero provides reassurance, though the rise in drug-related incidents may warrant local awareness. The increase in theft from the person—despite being only one incident—suggests a potential need for vigilance in crowded tourist areas, a common feature of this coastal town during summer.

Westward Ho!'s crime rate in July 2024 fell by 18.9% compared to the previous month, dropping from 3.0 to 2.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the area's typically low crime profile, which remains 71.4% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly zero crimes per day in July, reflecting the sparse nature of incidents even during peak summer. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 409 residents, a figure that underscores the rarity of criminal activity in this built-up coastal area. When scaled to the population of 5,321, this suggests that the vast majority of residents experience no direct exposure to crime. The low rate is consistent with Westward Ho!'s character as a small, tourist-focused community where outdoor events and festivals typically draw visitors rather than exacerbate local crime trends. This month's figures further reinforce the area's position as one of the safest in the UK, with crime patterns that remain largely unaffected by seasonal fluctuations.