Wealden Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 marked a continuation of Wealden's consistently low crime profile, with an overall rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents—43.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 34.2% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.4%) and criminal damage and arson (11.1%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal crime, which may be influenced by local demographics or social dynamics. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, appears to have had a mixed impact: while increased tourism could theoretically raise risks for theft or burglary, the data shows a 36.6% decline in burglary cases compared to July. This may reflect effective crime prevention measures or the absence of empty homes during the summer. Anti-social behaviour, though still significantly below the UK average (37% lower), remained the second most common category, linked to higher population density in certain areas. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (39% below UK average) and shoplifting (67% below UK average) suggest that Wealden's urban infrastructure or community initiatives may be mitigating these risks. However, the sharp rise in robbery cases highlights the need for targeted interventions, as this category saw the most dramatic shift in the month. Overall, Wealden's crime profile illustrates a balance between sustained low rates and sporadic spikes, with local factors likely playing a key role in shaping these trends.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 150% increase in robbery cases, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with a 66.7% drop in bicycle theft, which fell from 6 to 2 cases. The shift in crime mix highlights a growing emphasis on violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 34.2% of total crimes—39% below the UK average. Other notable changes include a 100% increase in theft from the person and a 30.2% reduction in shoplifting. These fluctuations may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during August's peak holiday period. The decrease in burglary—36.6% from July—could indicate effective local policing or fewer empty homes during the summer months. Residents may find the 150% rise in robbery particularly concerning, as it represents the largest single-category increase in the dataset.

Wealden's overall crime rate in August 2023 fell to 4.6 per 1,000 residents, a 10.1% decline from the previous month's 5.2 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the 43.2% gap between Wealden's rate and the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day in August, a figure that remains consistent with seasonal patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 216 residents, a rate that reflects the area's generally low crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The population context underscores that Wealden's 166,908 residents experience a crime rate significantly below the UK average, with violent crimes alone 39% below the national figure. These statistics suggest that local factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may contribute to the sustained reduction in crime from the data alone.