Uttlesford Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 95,106, Uttlesford recorded 449 crimes in November 2024 — an average of 4.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 38.2% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, marking Uttlesford as one of the safer local authority districts in England. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (139 cases, 31% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (63 cases, 14%) and other theft (55 cases, 12%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a mix of rural and commuter-focused communities, where social tensions and property-related issues are more likely to emerge in concentrated areas. Seasonal factors may also play a role: the sharp rise in shoplifting (29 cases, up 107.1% from 14 in October) coincides with Black Friday shopping activity, while the prevalence of violence and sexual offences could reflect increased social interactions during the lead-up to Christmas. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average (37% below), remains a persistent concern in public spaces, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or late-night activity. The overall crime profile suggests a relatively stable environment, with most categories showing significant underperformance compared to national benchmarks, except for possession of weapons (67% above UK average), which may indicate localized issues requiring further attention.

November 2024 saw stark contrasts in crime trends compared to October. Shoplifting increased by 107.1%, rising from 14 to 29 cases — a jump consistent with the Black Friday shopping period, which typically drives retail crime. Theft from the person also doubled, with 12 cases reported compared to 6 in October, possibly linked to increased foot traffic in high streets during festive preparations. Conversely, burglary decreased by 30%, falling from 20 to 14 cases, which may reflect improved security measures or reduced opportunities during colder weather. Other crime dropped by 25% (16 to 12 cases), suggesting a general decline in less-defined criminal activity. Uttlesford’s violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) is 42% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) is 37% below the national figure (1.1 per 1,000). These discrepancies highlight Uttlesford’s relative safety compared to other areas, though the 67% above UK average for possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000 vs 0.1 per 1,000 nationally) remains an outlier requiring closer scrutiny. Residents may find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it directly impacts local businesses during peak retail seasons.

The crime rate in Uttlesford dropped by 10.8% from 5.3 per 1,000 in October to 4.7 per 1,000 in November 2024, indicating a modest but measurable decline. This translates to approximately 15 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, still represents a tangible presence in a community of 95,106 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 212 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low risk of victimization compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure rate is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible sense of how frequently crime impacts the area — a rate that is significantly lower than national benchmarks. The decline in overall crime may be partly explained by the transition into darker evenings, which can deter certain types of outdoor activity, though this effect is offset by the spike in shoplifting linked to Black Friday. When viewed through a population lens, the 449 total crimes represent a manageable burden for Uttlesford’s size, with most categories performing well below UK averages. This suggests that the area’s infrastructure, policing strategies, or community dynamics may be contributing to its consistently lower crime rates, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these connections.