Westward Ho! Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Westward Ho! reported a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, significantly lower than the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This places the area 47.4% below the national benchmark, reflecting a generally safer environment compared to the broader UK. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (9 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (5) and public order offences (2). Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as November brought darker evenings, Bonfire Night events, and Black Friday shopping, all of which can increase foot traffic in public spaces. While violent crime decreased by 10% from October, the surge in public order offences may be linked to the timing of local festivals and the increased presence of visitors during the holiday season. The area's coastal location and small population likely contribute to its lower crime rate, as rural and coastal communities often experience fewer incidents of property crime compared to urban centres. However, the rise in public order offences highlights the need for continued vigilance during events that draw larger crowds. The overall crime profile remains stable, with no major shifts in the balance between property and violent crimes. This data suggests that while Westward Ho! is relatively safe, targeted efforts to manage public order during peak seasonal periods may help maintain this low crime environment.

November 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with public order offences doubling to 2 incidents from 1 in October—a 100% increase. This surge aligns with the timing of Bonfire Night, which typically draws crowds to the area’s coastal locations. Similarly, robbery and criminal damage and arson each rose by 100%, marking their first recorded incidents in the month. These increases contrast sharply with the 10% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 10 to 9. While violent crime remains a concern, the drop may reflect improved community engagement or seasonal factors reducing opportunities for such crimes. Public order offences in Westward Ho! (0.4 per 1,000) are 22% below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, suggesting local policing or community initiatives may be effective in managing such incidents. Conversely, robbery in the area (0.2 per 1,000) is 100% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, highlighting a unique challenge in this category. For residents, the spike in public order crimes may be particularly relevant, as it could indicate increased activity in public spaces during the month. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring seasonal trends and tailoring local strategies to address specific crime types.

The crime rate in Westward Ho! rose by 40.1% in November 2024, increasing from 2.8 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents compared to October. This upward trend, though still well below the UK average, suggests a temporary shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1 reported crime per day in November, a figure that translates to one crime occurring for every 253 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of how frequently crime impacts the local population, though it remains far lower than the UK average. Given Westward Ho!’s population of 5,321 residents, the crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 equates to roughly 21 total incidents—a small number relative to the area’s size. The increase from the previous month may be attributed to seasonal factors such as the darker evenings of November, which can affect visibility and deterrence in public spaces. However, the overall rate remains a stark contrast to the UK’s higher average, reinforcing the area’s status as a relatively low-crime environment. These comparisons highlight both the progress made in maintaining safety and the need for continued attention to emerging trends, such as the rise in public order offences.