Wealden Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden’s August 2024 crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents placed it 48.8% below the UK average of 8.2, a gap that underscores the area’s consistently low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.1% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.1%), reflecting a pattern skewed toward disorderly conduct and property-related incidents rather than violent crime. This distribution aligns with Wealden’s character as a largely suburban and semi-rural district, where community cohesion and limited urban density may reduce opportunities for more severe crimes. Seasonal factors appear to play a role, as August—a peak holiday month—typically sees increased tourism and temporary residents, which could contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property damage. However, the area’s proximity to natural landscapes and lower population density may also limit the scope for crimes such as robbery or burglary. The relatively low prevalence of theft from the person (0.1 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) further suggests that Wealden’s demographics and infrastructure are less conducive to these types of offences. While the overall crime rate remains stable, the interplay of seasonal pressures and local conditions will likely shape future trends, requiring ongoing attention from both residents and local authorities.

The most striking month-on-month shift was in anti-social behaviour, which surged by 23.8% (126 → 156), marking the largest single-category increase. This rise coincided with the peak of the August holiday period, when increased foot traffic and transient populations may contribute to heightened tensions in public spaces. Criminal damage and arson also rose sharply by 23.5% (68 → 84), potentially linked to seasonal neglect of empty homes or unsecured properties during the summer break. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75.0% (8 → 2), a dramatic decrease that may reflect targeted enforcement efforts or reduced opportunities for illicit activity during warmer months. Violence and sexual offences remained 52% below the UK average at 1.3 per 1,000, suggesting that Wealden’s community policing and social initiatives are likely contributing to sustained reductions in severe crimes. Residents may find the 48.8% gap between Wealden’s rate and the UK average particularly reassuring, though the rise in anti-social behaviour underscores the need for continued community engagement strategies.

August 2024 saw a 7.7% increase in Wealden’s crime rate compared to July, rising from 3.9 to 4.2 per 1,000 residents. This shift, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of late summer, when tourism peaks and temporary residents may contribute to transient crime pressures. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 22 crimes reported each day in August, a figure that, while low in absolute terms, reflects the area’s consistently lower-than-average crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 239 residents, underscoring the relatively low monthly exposure compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 166,908, this rate highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies in maintaining public safety, though the slight upward trend suggests continued vigilance may be necessary. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Wealden’s crime profile remains far removed from national averages, with its crime rate nearly half the UK’s overall figure. This context is critical for residents seeking to understand how local crime trends compare to broader regional patterns.