Wealden Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's overall crime rate in August 2024 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure 48.8% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area's consistently lower crime profile compared to national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.1% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.1%). These figures align with Wealden's character as a largely rural district with a mix of suburban and agricultural land, where community cohesion and lower population density likely contribute to reduced violent crime. However, the seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—introduces complexities. Tourism and the temporary absence of residents during school holidays may increase risks for property crimes, though Wealden's data shows burglary rates (0.2 per 1,000) remain 38% below the UK average. The prominence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests ongoing challenges in managing public spaces, potentially linked to summer gatherings or events. While the area's crime profile remains favourable nationally, localised efforts to address anti-social conduct and property damage may require tailored approaches, particularly during high-traffic periods. The interplay between seasonal trends and persistent crime patterns underscores the need for continued monitoring of Wealden's security landscape.

August 2024 saw significant month-on-month shifts in Wealden's crime profile, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 23.8% (126 to 156 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising 23.5% (68 to 84). These spikes contrast sharply with the 75% drop in possession of weapons, which fell from eight to two cases—a reduction that may reflect targeted policing or seasonal factors. The violent crime category, though still the largest single category (32.1% of all crimes), remained 52% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000 vs 5.2 per 1,000 nationally). Anti-social behaviour, now at 0.9 per 1,000, was 37% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000, suggesting localised efforts in community engagement may be effective. However, the rise in anti-social conduct could indicate increased social activity during the summer, linked to tourism or unseasonal events. For residents, the most immediately relevant finding is the 23.8% increase in anti-social behaviour, which may impact public spaces and require heightened awareness during evening hours. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in weapon possession—though a small category—demonstrates a positive trend, influenced by routine police operations or changes in local demographics.

Wealden's crime rate in August 2024 (4.2 per 1,000) marked a 7.7% increase from July's 3.9 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded 22 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the volume of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 239 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many urban areas but may still raise concerns during periods of heightened activity. The population context—Wealden's 166,908 residents—further highlights the scale of the figures: even with the 7.7% monthly rise, the absolute number of crimes (697) remains modest relative to the area's size. This suggests that while crime rates are trending upward, the overall burden on residents remains manageable compared to national standards. The comparison to the UK average also reveals Wealden's resilience: violent crime, property crime, and anti-social behaviour all remain well below national levels, even as some categories show short-term fluctuations. This contrast underscores the importance of maintaining localised strategies that address specific challenges, such as the recent increase in anti-social behaviour, while leveraging the area's inherent advantages in crime prevention.