Wealden Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's April 2023 crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents stands 50.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest levels in the area's recent history. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and criminal damage and arson (12.7%). These figures align with Wealden's broader pattern of consistently lower crime rates compared to national averages, though the seasonal context of April—a time of Easter holidays, spring weather, and heightened outdoor activity—may have influenced patterns. The area's relatively low levels of violent crime could reflect strong community policing efforts, lower population density, or a mix of residential and commercial zones that deter certain types of offences. The crime mix in Wealden diverges from the UK average, with property crimes (including shoplifting and burglary) comprising a smaller share of total incidents than in other parts of the country. This may be attributed to Wealden's suburban character, where fewer high-density retail areas and a more dispersed population reduce opportunities for theft. While the overall rate remains stable, the sharp rise in burglary cases in April suggests a need for targeted measures to address this specific trend, especially as warmer weather and holiday-related disruptions may continue to influence criminal behaviour in the coming months.

April 2023 saw a striking 129.4% increase in burglary cases, rising from 17 to 39 incidents—a sharp contrast to the 48.8% decline in vehicle crime, which dropped from 41 to 21. This divergence suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity, with property crimes outpacing transport-related offences. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 34.7% of total crimes, though they still sat 50% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 22.5%, potentially linked to increased outdoor activity during the Easter period. Meanwhile, drug-related offences fell by 54.5%, from 11 to 5, a reduction that may reflect seasonal trends or targeted interventions. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime, with some categories defying expectations while others align with broader national trends.

Wealden's crime rate in April 2023 fell slightly to 3.7 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% drop from March's 3.9 per 1,000. This continued trend of moderation contrasts with the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, placing the area 50.7% below national levels. On a daily basis, 21 crimes were reported in April, translating to roughly one incident for every 269 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Wealden compared to the UK, though local factors such as community engagement or infrastructure may contribute to this gap. The population context also highlights that even with 620 total crimes, the scale of incidents remains proportionally smaller in Wealden, reflecting a broader pattern of lower crime density in this area relative to the UK as a whole.