Wealden Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's overall crime rate in May 2023 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 47.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This continued the area's trend of maintaining significantly lower crime levels than the national benchmark, a pattern consistent with Wealden's character as a largely rural district with a strong emphasis on community policing and low-density housing. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.5% of all reported incidents (253 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.9%) and criminal damage and arson (12.8%). These figures align with the seasonal context of May, when longer evenings and bank holidays contribute to increased socialising and outdoor activity. While violence rates remain lower than the UK average (2.8 per 1,000 vs. the national 2.8 per 1,000), the local pattern suggests a balance between community engagement and proactive policing efforts. The relatively low levels of property crime—just 4.8% of total incidents—contrast with the UK average, reflecting Wealden's geographical profile as an area with fewer high-density retail zones and commuter hubs. This data illustrates a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, with Wealden's rural setting likely contributing to its sustained position below national crime averages.

May 2023 saw an 11.9% increase in Wealden's overall crime rate compared to April, driven by a 200% surge in drug-related offences (5 to 15 cases) and a 57.1% rise in vehicle crime (21 to 33 cases). These increases contrast with declines in shoplifting (-28.6%) and burglary (-15.4%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The proportion of violent crimes (36.5%) remained higher than property crimes (25.3%), but the area's overall violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) is still 46% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (15.9% of total crimes) and criminal damage (12.8%) remained consistently below national levels, a trend likely linked to Wealden's lower population density and community-focused policing strategies. Residents should be particularly aware of the 200% spike in drug-related crimes, which may reflect seasonal factors such as increased social gatherings during May bank holidays. The data also shows a 66.7% increase in 'other crime' categories, suggesting emerging patterns that warrant further analysis.

Wealden's crime rate in May 2023 (4.2 per 1,000) marked an 11.9% increase from April's 3.7 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 22 crimes per day in May, a figure that contextualises the local burden of crime within a manageable scale. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 241 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in Wealden compared to more densely populated areas. With a population of 166,908, the 693 reported crimes translate to a per capita rate that is 47.5% below the UK average, underscoring the area's continued success in maintaining safety despite the month-on-month increase. This comparison suggests that while local crime trends may fluctuate seasonally, Wealden's overall profile remains distinct from national patterns. The 1-in-241 resident figure provides a tangible metric for residents to assess their risk, offering reassurance that crime remains a rare occurrence in this district despite the recent uptick in specific categories.