Great Dunmow Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Great Dunmow’s crime rate in July 2024 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 26.2% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked improvement underscores a broader trend of lower-than-average crime rates in several categories, particularly in property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences, however, accounted for 46.4% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the area’s generally lower property crime rates, which may reflect the influence of seasonal factors. July, a peak summer month, typically sees increased tourism and festivals, which could contribute to higher incidences of violence but may also deter property crimes through heightened police presence or community vigilance. Anti-social behaviour followed with 19.6% of total crimes, though it remained 17% below the UK average. The area’s lower rates in shoplifting (41% below the UK average) and public order offences (38% below) suggest that local characteristics—such as a smaller, more cohesive community or effective policing strategies—may be playing a role. The crime profile for July highlights a combination of seasonal dynamics and local factors, with the overall rate remaining significantly below the national average despite the sharp rise in violent incidents.

Violence and sexual offences saw a dramatic 160% increase in July, rising from 10 to 26 incidents—a sharp contrast to the overall 26.2% decrease in the area’s crime rate compared to the UK average. This spike may be linked to the summer season, when festivals and events bring more people into the area, potentially increasing opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 80%, from five to one incident, a decline that aligns with the area’s lower-than-average vehicle crime rates. Public order offences also fell by 20%, though they remain 38% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime category, was 17% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or community dynamics may be contributing to this trend. For residents, the 41% below-average rate for shoplifting—a category where Great Dunmow’s figures were 0.4 per 1,000 compared to the UK’s 0.7 per 1,000—offers a tangible example of how local factors can influence crime patterns.

July 2024 saw Great Dunmow’s crime rate rise slightly to 6.2 per 1,000 residents from 5.3 per 1,000 in June, marking a 16.7% increase. This shift, though modest, reflects a seasonal uptick in activity typical of summer months, when tourism and festivals draw larger crowds. Daily crime statistics show an average of two reported incidents per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance during peak hours. Over the course of July, one crime occurred for every 162 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the rate within the local population. With 9,084 residents, this equates to a relatively low level of exposure compared to the UK average. The population context also highlights that Great Dunmow’s lower property crime rates—particularly in vehicle crime and shoplifting—align with its character as a smaller, more tightly knit built-up area, where community engagement may play a role in deterring certain offences. However, the rise in violent crimes suggests a need for targeted interventions during events that draw external visitors.