Great Dunmow Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

August 2024 marked a significant spike in specific crime types in Great Dunmow, a built-up area within Uttlesford. While the overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents remains 35.4% below the UK average of 8.2, the profile of crime has shifted notably. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.8% of all reported crimes, followed by other theft (10.4%) and anti-social behaviour (8.3%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are 11% higher and anti-social behaviour is 72% higher in the same category. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month, increased tourism, and potential empty homes—may partly explain the rise in certain crime types. Property crimes (19) and violent crimes (22) were evenly split, diverging from the UK trend where property crimes typically dominate. The lower rate of anti-social behaviour and public order offences compared to the UK suggests a more community-oriented environment, potentially influenced by local initiatives or demographic factors. However, the data also reveals a concerning trend in vehicle crime, which will be explored in the highlights section.

August 2024 saw alarming increases in vehicle crime, burglary, and criminal damage and arson. Vehicle crime surged by 300% compared to July, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This spike may be linked to August’s peak holiday season, with increased vehicle movement and potential opportunities for theft in residential areas. Burglary also doubled, jumping from 0 to 4 cases, a stark anomaly that could be connected to the seasonal trend of empty homes during summer holidays. Criminal damage and arson rose by 33.3%, reflecting heightened vandalism in public spaces or unoccupied properties. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), due to increased police visibility or seasonal changes in retail activity. Anti-social behaviour, which had been a persistent issue (11 incidents in July), dropped by 63.6% to 4, suggesting a temporary reduction in disruptive behaviour. The UK comparison reveals that Great Dunmow’s violence and sexual offence rate (2.4 per 1,000) is 11% below the national average, while other theft (0.6 per 1,000) is 5% above. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly around vehicles and unoccupied properties, as these areas of concern have seen the most significant increases.

The crime rate in Great Dunmow fell by 14.3% from 6.2 per 1,000 in July to 5.3 per 1,000 in August, reflecting a continued trend of lower-than-average crime levels. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in August—a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents in this community compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure rate is particularly noteworthy when considering the built-up nature of Great Dunmow, where higher population density typically correlates with higher crime rates. The 35.4% gap between Great Dunmow’s crime rate and the UK average is consistent with the area’s characteristics as a commuter-focused town with strong local policing and community engagement. However, the recent spikes in vehicle crime and burglary suggest that specific vulnerabilities—such as unsecured vehicles or vacant homes during the summer—require targeted attention. While the overall trend is positive, the month-on-month fluctuations indicate that local conditions and seasonal factors can rapidly shift crime dynamics.