Heathfield Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Heathfield (Wealden) recorded a crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, placing it 46.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, though a rise from September’s 2.8 per 1,000, remains a testament to the area’s generally low crime profile. The most common crimes were vehicle-related incidents, accounting for 40% of total reports, followed by violence and sexual offences (25.7%) and other theft (8.6%). The surge in vehicle crime—now at 1.7 per 1,000—far exceeds the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000 by 262%, raising questions about localized factors such as increased traffic during the month or vulnerabilities in parking areas. This spike contrasts with lower-than-average rates in other categories, including a 59% deficit in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK. Seasonal factors, such as darker evenings and Halloween, may have influenced patterns, with shoplifting dropping by 50% (from two to one incident) and anti-social behaviour decreasing by 40%. The area’s low violent crime rates, despite the vehicle crime surge, align with its character as a built-up area within Wealden, likely influenced by limited nightlife and a residential focus. While the increase in vehicle crime warrants attention, the overall picture remains one of relative safety compared to national trends.

October 2024 marked a sharp increase in vehicle crime, rising from zero to 14 incidents—a 100% jump. This surge, now at 1.7 per 1,000 residents, is 262% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, suggesting heightened vulnerability in local parking areas or increased traffic during the month. Burglary and other crime also doubled from zero to one incident each. Shoplifting fell by 50% (from two to one incident), possibly linked to Halloween preparations or reduced foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 40% (from five to three), though this remains 69% below the UK average. The shift in crime mix shows a move towards property-related incidents, with vehicle crime dominating 40% of the total. Residents are advised to secure vehicles and valuables, particularly as darker evenings persist into November.

Heathfield (Wealden) saw a 52.3% increase in its crime rate from 2.8 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents between September and October 2024. While this rise is notable, the area remains 46.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. Daily crime counts averaged one incident per day in October, a figure that, while low, reflects a shift in crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 234 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Heathfield’s crime profile shows stark contrasts: vehicle crime, at 1.7 per 1,000, is 262% above the national average, suggesting localized factors such as increased traffic or parking activity may be influencing this category. However, other crime types like violence and sexual offences are 59% below the UK rate, indicating a broader trend of lower violent crime in the area. This disparity highlights the need to consider specific local conditions rather than generalizing from national statistics.