Wealden Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's crime profile in July 2023 reveals a distinctive balance of crime types that reflects both local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.3% of all crimes, the highest proportion, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%) and criminal damage (11.4%). This mix suggests a focus on interpersonal and community-level issues, contrasting with areas where property crime dominates. The overall crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents — 37.3% below the UK average — highlights Wealden's relative safety despite the prominence of violent crime. Seasonal factors likely play a role: July, with schools out and tourism at its peak, may have increased opportunities for anti-social behaviour and retail-related offences such as shoplifting. However, the area's property crime rate (3.1 per 1,000) is lower than the UK average (4.8 per 1,000), possibly due to lower population density or effective local policing. The absence of significant spikes in burglary or vehicle crime, which are often linked to urban environments, further suggests a mix of rural and semi-rural characteristics. While the rise in drug-related offences may indicate challenges in addressing substance misuse, the overall picture remains one of controlled crime levels, with violent crime rates consistently below national benchmarks.

July 2023 saw sharp increases in drug-related offences (+200%), bicycle theft (+200%), and shoplifting (+120.8%) compared to June. These spikes align with seasonal patterns, as summer festivals and extended daylight hours may contribute to higher retail activity and associated crime. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 75% and robbery dropped by 50%, likely reflecting reduced foot traffic during school holidays. The crime mix remains distinct: violent crimes (32.3% of total) and anti-social behaviour (16.9%) dominate, but both categories remain significantly below UK averages. For example, violence and sexual offences in Wealden (1.7 per 1,000) are 39% lower than the UK average (2.8 per 1,000). This balance suggests a community where public order issues and interpersonal conflicts are prevalent but not extreme, contrasting with areas where property crime dominates.

Wealden's crime rate in July 2023 rose 28.8% compared to June, climbing from 4.0 to 5.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still leaves the area 37.3% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. Locally, 28 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that, while not negligible, suggests manageable levels of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 194 residents — a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's relative safety. The population context is critical: with 166,908 residents, the absolute number of crimes (860) remains modest. This contrasts with larger urban areas where higher population density often correlates with greater crime volumes. The rise in specific categories, such as drugs and shoplifting, must be weighed against the broader picture of consistent underperformance relative to national averages in violent and property crimes.