Heathfield (Wealden) Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Heathfield (Wealden) maintains a crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, placing it 50% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area’s relative safety, though the data reveals a nuanced picture of risk distribution. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 35.5% of all reported incidents, followed closely by criminal damage and arson (12.9%) and anti-social behaviour (12.9%). These figures are significantly lower than the UK averages for each category, suggesting that local factors—such as a strong community presence or effective policing—may be contributing to the area’s overall safety. Seasonal context offers further insight: the transition into November, marked by shorter days and the approach of Bonfire Night, likely influenced patterns of activity. For instance, the rise in public order offences could be linked to increased gatherings during the month’s festivals, while the decline in vehicle crime may reflect reduced driving during darker evenings. However, the overall low crime rate remains consistent with Heathfield’s character as a built-up area within Wealden, where a balance between residential and commercial spaces may foster a more secure environment. The per-capita perspective is particularly instructive: with 31 crimes reported across a population of 8,182, the monthly exposure translates to one crime for every 264 residents—a figure that, while not negligible, underscores the area’s position as a relatively safe place to live compared to the national average.

November 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with vehicle crime plummeting by 78.6% compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift from 14 to just 3 incidents. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as reduced car usage during darker evenings or increased vehicle security measures in anticipation of the holiday season. Conversely, public order offences surged by 100%, rising from zero to two incidents—a notable increase that could be tied to the heightened activity around Bonfire Night events, which often draw larger crowds and create environments conducive to disorder. Shoplifting also doubled, mirroring a national trend during Black Friday, though Heathfield’s rate remains 71% below the UK average. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mixed picture: while violence and sexual offences remain the most common category (35.5% of total crimes), their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 is 50% below the UK average. This suggests that local factors—such as community engagement or targeted policing—may be playing a role in mitigating these incidents despite the seasonal pressures.

Heathfield's crime rate in November 2024 fell to 3.8 per 1,000 residents, an 11.4% decrease from the previous month's 4.3. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in similar built-up areas during late autumn, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period, reflecting a stable but low-level pattern of activity. When scaled to the local population, this equates to one reported crime occurring for every 264 residents over the course of the month—a figure that contextualises the risk as relatively minimal compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even with the 31 total crimes recorded, the impact on individual residents remains proportionally low, particularly when contrasted with the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This underscores Heathfield’s position as a safer locale within the broader national framework, where community-focused policing and localised interventions may play a role in maintaining this lower rate.