Westward Ho! Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Westward Ho!’s crime rate in April 2025 stood at 4.1 per 1,000, 46.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure, while low, masks a troubling shift in crime patterns as Easter and spring weather brought increased outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 45.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 27.3%. These figures contrast with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which sits at 2.6 per 1,000—27% lower than Westward Ho!’s rate. The area’s low property crime rate, particularly in shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000), is 39% below the UK average, suggesting that local retail environments may be more secure than national trends indicate. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting and other theft, both doubling from March levels, indicates a need for vigilance in high-traffic areas. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as Easter holidays and spring weather may have altered patterns of movement and activity. The balance between violent and property crime also shifted slightly, with violent crimes increasing by 25% month-on-month, while property crimes remained stable. This dynamic underscores the importance of understanding how local rhythms—such as tourism, retail hours, and seasonal events—interact with crime trends. While Westward Ho! remains significantly safer than the UK average, the April data highlights vulnerabilities that require targeted attention.

April 2025 marked a concerning uptick in shoplifting and other theft, both of which doubled from March levels (1 to 2 incidents). This surge, though small in absolute terms, reflects a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences also increased by 25%, rising from 8 to 10 incidents—a notable deviation from the area’s usual trend. These increases contrast with declines in burglary (down 50%) and anti-social behaviour (down 33.3%), which may indicate a seasonal reallocation of criminal focus. Shoplifting, for instance, rose to 0.4 per 1,000 in April, 39% below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in retail areas during the Easter period, when increased foot traffic may create opportunities for theft. The area’s violent crime rate—1.9 per 1,000—remains 27% below the UK average, suggesting that while localised spikes occur, overall safety remains intact.

Westward Ho! saw a 12.1% decrease in its overall crime rate from 4.7 per 1,000 in March 2025 to 4.1 per 1,000 in April 2025. This reduction, while modest, aligns with the area’s historically low crime profile compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded one crime per day in April, a figure that reflects the relatively small population of 5,321 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 242 residents—a ratio that underscores the low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When contextualised against the UK average, Westward Ho! remains significantly safer, with its overall crime rate 46.8% below the national figure. This contrast highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies and the area’s unique characteristics, such as its compact size and strong community networks, which may contribute to lower crime levels despite seasonal fluctuations.