Heathfield (Wealden) Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Heathfield (Wealden) maintained a crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 61.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This marked improvement reflects a broader trend of reduced criminal activity, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 28% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson at 16%, and vehicle crime at 12%. These figures align with seasonal dynamics, as September marks the return to school and university freshers’ week, which typically influences local crime patterns. The lower-than-average rates in violence and sexual offences may be attributed to heightened community vigilance or the absence of large-scale events that could exacerbate tensions. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which increased by 300% compared to the previous month, suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas prone to such offences. The low rate of vehicle crime, at 0.4 per 1,000, is consistent with the built-up nature of Heathfield, where parking is more controlled compared to sprawling urban centres. The overall decline in crime, coupled with the absence of significant spikes in violent crime, illustrates a relatively stable and secure environment, though the surge in property-related offences indicates areas requiring further attention.

September 2023 saw significant reductions in anti-social behaviour, which fell by 80% compared to the previous month, and public order offences, which dropped by 80%. These decreases may reflect the impact of seasonal transitions, as nights draw in and community activity shifts. Conversely, criminal damage and arson surged by 300%, and vehicle crime increased by 200%, highlighting areas requiring closer attention. The category of violence and sexual offences remained below the UK average, with a rate of 0.9 per 1,000—67% lower than the national figure. This contrast with the 43% increase in possession of weapons, which rose above the UK average, introduces a layer of complexity in understanding local crime patterns. Residents may find the 75% decline in shoplifting, from 8 to 2 incidents, particularly reassuring, suggesting effective measures in retail areas. However, the sharp rise in burglary—doubling from 0 to 2 cases—raises questions about targeted vulnerabilities that warrant further scrutiny.

Heathfield (Wealden) recorded 25 crimes in September 2023, translating to a daily average of approximately one crime per day. This equates to one reported crime for roughly every 327 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the built-up area. Comparing this to the previous month, the crime rate fell by 30.5%, dropping from 4.4 to 3.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline underscores a notable shift in local crime dynamics, likely influenced by seasonal factors such as the transition back to school and university term patterns. While the daily figure may seem low, it is essential to consider that crime can be sporadic and influenced by local events. The population-scaled perspective shows that residents face a relatively low risk compared to national averages, but the specific nature of incidents—such as increases in vehicle crime and burglary—remains a focus for community monitoring.