Heathfield (Wealden) Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance between property and violent crime in Heathfield (Wealden) during July 2023 reveals a distinct pattern that may reflect local characteristics. With 11 violent crimes reported compared to 5 property crimes, the area’s crime profile is heavily weighted toward violent offences, though both categories remain significantly below the UK average. The overall crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents is 62.7% lower than the UK figure of 8.3 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safe environment compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences (11 incidents) accounted for 44% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (7 incidents at 28%) and criminal damage and arson (3 incidents at 12%). This distribution contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 53% of the total, indicating Heathfield’s violent crime rate is 53% below the national figure. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as July is typically a peak month for tourism and outdoor activity in this part of Wealden. The absence of major retail or nightlife hubs may help explain the relatively low property crime rate, though the 11 violent crimes recorded still represent a notable share of the total. This balance could reflect a combination of community cohesion, local policing strategies, and the area’s character as a smaller built-up area within a rural district. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (37% below UK) and public order offences (68% below UK) further suggest that Heathfield’s social environment may be more controlled than the national average, though the increase in criminal damage and arson—up 200% from June—raises questions about specific incidents or seasonal pressures. The month’s context as a summer peak, with schools out and festivals active, may have influenced both the type and frequency of crimes reported.

July 2023 saw significant shifts in Heathfield’s crime mix, with violent offences dominating the landscape. While the overall crime rate decreased by 13.6% compared to June (3.5 per 1,000 to 3.1 per 1,000), specific categories showed marked changes. Violent crimes remained the largest category at 44% of total incidents, though this proportion is 53% below the UK average. The most notable increases were in criminal damage and arson (+200%, from 1 to 3 incidents), public order offences (+100%, from 0 to 2), and vehicle crime (+100%, from 1 to 2). These spikes may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity, festivals, or unsecured property during the summer months. Anti-social behaviour, however, decreased by 30% (from 10 to 7 incidents), a trend that could reflect improved community engagement or seasonal changes in local behaviour. The property crime category—only 5 incidents in total—remained significantly below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), suggesting that theft, burglary, and vehicle-related crimes are less prevalent in this area. For residents, the 37% reduction in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average may indicate a safer, more orderly environment, though the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson highlights areas for local attention. These fluctuations underscore the importance of contextual factors, such as the area’s rural setting and limited commercial activity, in shaping its crime profile.

Heathfield’s July 2023 crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents represents a 13.6% decrease from June’s rate of 3.5 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable downward trend over the past month. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 1 crime per day across 31 days, a figure that, while low, may still raise concerns for local residents. When scaled to the population of 8,182, this translates to one reported crime for every 327 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to the UK average. This statistic suggests that, on average, residents of Heathfield are far less likely to be directly affected by crime than those in other parts of the country. The area’s population-scaled perspective further reinforces this: with only 25 total crimes reported, the per capita risk is significantly reduced compared to larger urban centres. This context is particularly relevant for local families and businesses, who may view the low crime rate as a positive aspect of living in Heathfield. However, the month-on-month increases in specific categories—such as criminal damage and arson—highlight the need for vigilance in addressing emerging issues. While the overall trend is reassuring, these fluctuations illustrate the combination of local conditions and broader national patterns, reminding residents that even low crime rates can be influenced by seasonal and situational factors.