Wealden Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's September 2023 crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents places it 48.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a figure that underscores the area's generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the dominant category, accounting for 36.3% of all reported crimes, a proportion that significantly exceeds the share of such offences nationally. This dominance may be partly explained by the area's characteristics, including its proximity to educational institutions and the seasonal influx of students during the freshers' period, which can contribute to increased social interactions and associated risks. While property crimes collectively account for 34.2% of total incidents, they remain consistently below UK averages for categories such as burglary (38% below) and shoplifting (64% below). The seasonal context of September, marked by the return to school and university, may partly explain the persistence of violent crime, even as overall rates remain low. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also feature prominently, suggesting a pattern that may be linked to local community dynamics and the need for targeted interventions in specific areas. These figures collectively illustrate a community with a relatively safe environment, though the prominence of violent crime indicates areas for further attention.

September 2023 saw a 300% increase in Theft from the person, rising from 2 to 8 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened foot traffic in town centres during the university freshers' period. Concurrently, Bicycle theft doubled from 2 to 4, a change that could be linked to increased cycling during the early autumn months. Possession of weapons also doubled, from 5 to 10 incidents, a spike that contrasts with the overall decline in crime and may indicate specific local factors. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 34.9%, aligning with seasonal trends where summer-related offences typically decrease as daylight hours shorten. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, at 1.5 per 1,000 residents, 45% below the UK average, illustrating a combination of local demographics and broader national trends. These fluctuations highlight the need for ongoing analysis of crime patterns in relation to seasonal and community-specific factors.

Wealden's September 2023 crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents marks a 12.3% decline from August's 4.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of reduced criminal activity. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 247 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure to crime in a way that aligns with local demographics and community size. Daily crime statistics show 23 incidents recorded per day, a figure that, when considered alongside the area's population of 166,908, illustrates a relatively low frequency of crime compared to larger urban centres. This local context contrasts with the UK average, where the equivalent daily rate would be significantly higher, though no direct comparison is provided for national figures. The reduction in overall crime aligns with seasonal patterns, as the transition from summer to autumn typically sees a decrease in outdoor activity and associated offences, though the persistence of violent crime remains a notable exception to this trend.