Takeley and Little Canfield Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Takeley and Little Canfield recorded a crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000 in November 2024, 150% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure, the highest in the area's monthly data, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The top crime categories were violence and sexual offences (21.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.7%), and other theft (16.3%), each significantly exceeding national averages. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.1 per 1,000, were 59% above the UK average, potentially linked to the area's built-up nature and community events. Anti-social behaviour, which surged to 3.4 per 1,000, was 206% above the UK average, possibly exacerbated by darker evenings and Bonfire Night. Other theft, including shoplifting, rose sharply, with shoplifting alone jumping 200% to 18 incidents, likely tied to Black Friday shopping. The seasonal context of November—dark evenings, seasonal shopping, and community events—likely amplifies these trends. While the area's population of 7,721 is relatively small, the concentration of crime in a built-up area suggests that local density and social interactions play a critical role. The absence of significant declines in violent crime, despite a 36.4% drop in vehicle crime, indicates that retail and social hubs remain focal points for criminal activity. This pattern is consistent with similar areas where commercial activity and community events drive property and public order offences, though the scale here is higher than the UK average.

November 2024 saw a sharp 200% increase in shoplifting, driven by Black Friday shopping activity, with incidents rising from six to 18. Theft from the person also surged by 133.3%, reflecting heightened foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, vehicle crime fell 36.4%, possibly due to reduced car usage during darker evenings. The area's violent crime rate—4.1 per 1,000—stood 59% above the UK average, with 32 incidents recorded. Anti-social behaviour, at 3.4 per 1,000, was 206% above the UK average, likely linked to seasonal gatherings and Bonfire Night events. Burglary increased by 100% from zero to one incident, a rare but concerning spike. These shifts highlight a stark contrast between rising property offences and modest declines in vehicle-related crime, suggesting that local retail and social dynamics are key drivers. Residents may find the 200% shoplifting increase particularly alarming, given its direct impact on businesses and community safety.

Takeley and Little Canfield's crime rate rose to 19.0 per 1,000 in November 2024, a 10.5% increase from the previous month's 17.2. This shift places the area's monthly crime exposure at one reported crime for every 53 residents—a stark figure for a built-up area with a population of 7,721. Daily crime counts averaged five incidents per day, highlighting the persistent nature of local challenges. While the area's overall crime rate remains 150% above the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a tightening of local pressures. The 1-in-53 resident ratio underscores that crime is not an abstract statistic but a recurring reality for many households. This comparison to the previous month reveals a troubling trend: while some crime types saw reductions (e.g. vehicle crime down 36.4%), the upward trajectory in violent and property offences indicates systemic issues that may require sustained attention. The local context—dark evenings, seasonal shopping activity, and community events like Bonfire Night—likely amplifies these patterns.