Great Dunmow Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Great Dunmow's crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 in January 2024 places it 25.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently safer environment compared to national trends. This built-up area within Uttlesford, known for its historic market town character and proximity to London, shows a crime profile shaped by seasonal and local factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 46% of all reported crimes, with 23 incidents recorded—a rate of 2.5 per 1,000, 4% below the UK average. This category's prominence may be linked to the town's retail and community hubs, which see regular foot traffic even in winter months. Property crimes, though lower than violent crimes, accounted for 36% of the total (18 incidents), with burglary and other theft making up 18% of the mix. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail activity—likely contributes to lower shoplifting rates (3 incidents, 47% below the UK average) and fewer public order offences (2 incidents, 58% below the UK average). However, the area's relatively low vehicle crime rate (3 incidents, 40% below the UK average) may reflect limited parking density or effective local enforcement strategies. These patterns align with Great Dunmow's character as a smaller, mixed-use town where community policing and local engagement may play a role in maintaining lower crime levels compared to larger urban centres.

January 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with three categories experiencing dramatic changes. Other crime surged by 200%, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a jump that may reflect unreported issues or changes in categorisation. Robbery also doubled, with one incident recorded. Conversely, public order offences fell by 60% (from 5 to 2), possibly due to reduced social gatherings during the post-holiday period. Burglary rates declined slightly by 20%, from 5 to 4 incidents, though this remains 11% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000). Other theft, which was 16.7% lower than December (from 6 to 5), still sits 5% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), suggesting persistent challenges in retail security. The breakdown also reveals stark contrasts with national trends: while other crime was 114% above the UK average (0.3 vs 0.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime was 40% below (0.3 vs 0.5 per 1,000). This divergence may reflect local factors, such as lower vehicle density or effective anti-theft measures. For residents, the most immediate insight is the 25.7% gap between Great Dunmow's rate and the UK average, which underscores the area's consistent performance in maintaining public safety despite its proximity to larger urban centres.

Great Dunmow's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 19% compared to December's 4.6 per 1,000, yet remains 25.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, highlights the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 2 crimes per day—equivalent to one crime every 182 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible context for residents: for every 182 people in Great Dunmow, one crime was reported in January. When compared to the UK's broader population, the area's performance is strikingly different. While the national average sees 7.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, Great Dunmow's rate suggests a significantly lower risk for its residents. This contrast may be attributed to the town's smaller size, mixed-use character, and proximity to rural areas, which can foster community cohesion and reduce opportunities for certain crimes. However, the 19% increase from December raises questions about potential seasonal or local factors. For instance, the post-holiday period, while typically associated with lower retail activity, may have seen shifts in criminal behaviour, such as increased anti-social behaviour or targeted thefts. These nuances illustrate the importance of viewing crime statistics not as static numbers, but as reflections of complex local dynamics that require ongoing monitoring and tailored responses.