Westward Ho! Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

July 2025 saw Westward Ho! maintain a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents, 58.1% below the UK average of 8.6. This coastal town, known for its tourism and summer festivals, experienced a notable shift in crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.1% of all reported crimes — a category where the area's rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 51% below the UK average. The second most common crime was shoplifting, though its surge in July will require closer examination. The seasonal context of peak tourism and extended daylight hours likely contributes to the high proportion of violent crimes, which may reflect increased foot traffic in the town centre. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively low, with only 6 incidents reported. The area's low crime rate compared to the UK average suggests effective local policing or community engagement. The interplay between seasonal tourism and crime patterns is evident in the data, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences also showing marked disparities from national figures. This suggests that Westward Ho!'s unique character — a blend of residential and tourist activity — shapes its crime profile differently than the UK average.

The most unexpected movement was the 200% increase in shoplifting, which jumped from 1 incident in June to 3 in July. This surge, while modest in absolute terms, contrasts with the 66.7% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 6 to 2. The area's violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 51% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, a category where national rates typically exceed 3.0 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also showed a stark gap from UK averages, with Westward Ho!'s rate (0.6 per 1,000) 61% lower than the national 1.6. However, one category — 'other crime' — saw a 100% increase from zero to one incident, a rise that could signal emerging patterns or data collection changes. Residents might find the 58.1% gap from the UK average particularly relevant, as it indicates Westward Ho! is among the safest areas nationally. The sharp contrast between rising shoplifting and falling property crimes highlights shifting dynamics in local criminal activity, linked to seasonal retail activity or changes in policing focus.

July's crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 represents a 9.6% decrease from June's 4.0, continuing a downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day in July — a rate that, while low, reflects the small population of 5,321 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 280 residents, a figure that underscores the area's relative safety compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure rate is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it illustrates the low likelihood of personal involvement in crime. The previous month's rate (4.0) was 0.4 per 1,000 higher than July's, a decline that aligns with the seasonal context of summer holidays and festivals. While the UK average crime rate is 8.6 per 1,000, Westward Ho!'s figures suggest a community with robust crime prevention measures. The low daily crime count — one per day — provides a tangible benchmark for residents assessing local safety, especially when compared to the UK's significantly higher rates. This comparison highlights the unique characteristics of Westward Ho!, where its coastal location and seasonal rhythms may contribute to a distinct crime profile.