Westward Ho! Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Westward Ho! during May 2024, 2.8 crimes were reported, a figure significantly lower than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This translates to roughly one crime for every 355 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that contextualises risk in everyday terms. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.7%) and criminal damage and arson (20%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a coastal resort town, where outdoor socialising increases during longer evenings, potentially contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. The relatively low crime rate may reflect the area’s small population and the transient nature of tourism, which could limit opportunities for certain types of crime. Seasonal factors in May—such as bank holidays and extended daylight hours—likely influence crime dynamics, with outdoor drinking and socialising creating environments where violent incidents are more likely to occur. However, the overall low rate suggests that community cohesion and local policing efforts may be effective in mitigating risk, even during periods of increased social activity.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to April, with criminal damage and arson tripling from one to three incidents (a 200% increase), potentially linked to increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 20%, and violence and sexual offences fell by 14.3%, suggesting possible success in local interventions or seasonal moderation. Violence and sexual offences remained 61% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 45% below the national rate, indicating a consistently lower prevalence of these issues in Westward Ho! compared to the rest of the UK. The sharp rise in drug-related crimes—doubling from zero to one incident—though small in absolute terms, highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of emerging trends. These changes reflect the interplay between local conditions and broader national patterns, with the area’s low crime rates persisting despite seasonal fluctuations.

The crime rate in Westward Ho! for May 2024 (2.8 per 1,000) marked a 21% decline from April’s rate of 3.6 per 1,000, underscoring a downward trend that contrasts with the UK’s generally higher levels. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 0 crimes reported per day, a figure that highlights the exceptionally low frequency of incidents relative to the population of 5,321 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 355 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is far below the UK average and suggests a significantly safer environment for residents compared to the national context. This low level of criminal activity, even when accounting for seasonal factors like increased socialising, reinforces the area’s position as a relatively secure place to live. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that the likelihood of encountering crime in Westward Ho! is minimal compared to larger urban centres, where higher population density often correlates with elevated crime rates. These comparisons provide a clear benchmark for understanding how the area’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics contribute to its distinct crime profile.