Westward Ho! Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Westward Ho! in January 2026 reveals a striking dominance of violent crime over property-related offences, a trend that may reflect the area’s character as a coastal resort with seasonal fluctuations in activity. With a total crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents—39.7% below the UK average—Westward Ho! remains significantly safer than the national average, though the balance between crime types warrants closer examination. Violent crimes, particularly those categorised as violence and sexual offences, accounted for 59.1% of all incidents, a proportion that is higher than the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000). This imbalance could be linked to the area’s tourism-driven economy, which may see increased social interactions during peak seasons or the presence of transient populations in the post-holiday period. Property crimes, while lower in absolute terms (6 incidents), were concentrated in categories like criminal damage and arson, which were 67% above the UK average. This discrepancy suggests that while the area is generally safe, targeted vulnerabilities—such as vandalism in public spaces—require attention. Seasonal context further complicates the picture: January, with its shorter days and reduced retail activity, typically sees fewer outdoor crimes, yet the rise in violent incidents may indicate a shift in local patterns, influenced by the closure of seasonal attractions or changes in community behaviour. The data also highlights the need to consider how specific crime types, such as other thefts and criminal damage, interact with the area’s geography and demographics, even as the overall rate remains low compared to national benchmarks.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in three crime categories: other crime, other theft, and criminal damage and arson, each rising by 100% compared to December. This surge in property-related offences—particularly criminal damage—contrasts with the dominance of violent crimes, which accounted for 59.1% of all incidents. While violent crime rates in the area remain 4% below the UK average, the spike in criminal damage and arson (67% above the UK average) highlights a local vulnerability. The balance between property and violent crime also shifts significantly: though violent crimes were higher in absolute terms, their proportion of total crimes (59.1%) suggests a potential link to seasonal factors, such as the post-holiday period reducing retail footfall and increasing indoor gatherings. Residents may find the 100% rise in other thefts—now at 2 incidents—particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a new trend in local crime patterns.

Westward Ho!'s crime rate in January 2026 rose 22.2% compared to December 2025, reflecting a shift in patterns despite the area’s overall safety compared to the UK average. While the monthly rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents remains 39.7% below the UK’s 6.8 per 1,000, the increase suggests local factors may have influenced activity. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one crime reported each day in January, a figure that, while low, could signal a slight uptick in incidents during the post-holiday period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 242 residents—a ratio that underscores the area’s relative safety but also highlights the concentrated nature of incidents. This monthly exposure metric, when contextualised with the population of 5,321, illustrates how even small numbers can translate into noticeable events for residents. The comparison with the UK average further reinforces that Westward Ho! remains a low-crime area. increase from the previous month warrants attention to local dynamics.