Great Dunmow Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 marked an unexpected surge in drug-related crimes in Great Dunmow, a built-up area within Uttlesford, with a 300% increase from October. This dramatic rise, coupled with a doubling of public order offences and the emergence of shoplifting as a new category, contrasts sharply with a 75% drop in criminal damage and arson. The overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 remains 22.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting the area’s generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences (23 cases) dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 43.4% of all crimes, though they remain 3% below the UK average. Other theft (7 cases) and shoplifting (5 cases) emerged as secondary concerns, with the latter now 9% above the national rate. Seasonal factors may partly explain these trends: Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping likely influenced retail crime, while darker evenings could have impacted public order incidents. The area’s relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour rate (62% below UK average) suggest a stable community environment, though the drug crime spike raises questions about localized influences. This contrast between stable and rising crime types highlights the combination of seasonal activity, retail patterns, and potential shifts in community dynamics.

November 2023 saw three significant spikes in crime types: drug-related incidents surged by 300% (from 1 to 4), public order offences doubled (from 2 to 4), and shoplifting increased from 0 to 5. These jumps contrast with a 75% decline in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 4 to 1. The shift in crime mix is notable, with violent crimes (23) now outpacing property crimes (18) for the first time this year. While violence and sexual offences remain 3% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), drug-related crimes are 100% above the national rate (0.2 per 1,000). This divergence suggests localized factors may be influencing drug crime trends. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting—now accounting for 9.4% of all crimes—could signal increased retail activity during Black Friday. The contrast between rising drug crimes and falling anti-social behaviour (62% below UK average) adds complexity to the month’s crime picture.

The crime rate in Great Dunmow rose by 15.2% from October 2023 (5.1 per 1,000) to November 2023 (5.8 per 1,000), marking a modest upward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 171 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents against the local population of 9,084. This monthly exposure rate is a useful metric for residents to gauge the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported across 30 days, a pace that, while low, reflects the area’s generally secure environment. Comparing this to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, Great Dunmow remains 22.7% below the national rate. However, the increase in November highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas where specific crime types have surged. The population context further underscores that crime in this built-up area is relatively rare compared to broader UK trends, though localized shifts in crime patterns demand attention.