Wealden Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 3.4 per 1,000, a figure 52.1% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area's generally lower crime profile, though the breakdown of offences reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.9% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and criminal damage (9.6%). These figures, while lower than national averages, suggest that violent and disorderly conduct remain persistent challenges. The seasonal context of December — marked by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the closure of some homes — may have influenced patterns, though the overall decline in crime suggests broader factors at play. For instance, the sharp drop in vehicle crime (down 66.2%) may indicate effective local policing or reduced opportunities for such offences during the festive period. However, the 57.1% increase in possession of weapons raises questions about emerging trends, linked to increased alcohol consumption or other seasonal pressures. Anti-social behaviour's 47% gap below the UK average could reflect community engagement efforts or the area's relatively stable social fabric. The dominance of property-related crimes (shoplifting, burglary) over violent offences contrasts with national trends, due to Wealden's mix of residential and commercial areas, where retail premises may drive certain types of crime. This data, when contextualised with the area's character — likely a mix of urban and rural environments — offers insights into the interplay between local geography and crime patterns.

December 2024 saw marked decreases in vehicle crime (down 66.2%) and theft from the person (down 66.7%), both of which may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during dark evenings. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 57.1%, a stark contrast to the overall decline, highlighting a specific area of concern. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37.9% of all crimes, yet this rate (1.3 per 1,000) was 49% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also dropped, with a 47% gap below the national average, possibly linked to community efforts during the festive season. The sharp decline in vehicle crime, from 68 to 23 incidents, offers a tangible example of how targeted interventions or seasonal patterns can influence crime trends in Wealden.

Wealden's crime rate in December 2024 fell by 16.2% compared to the previous month, reflecting a sustained decline in overall crime. With 560 crimes reported over 31 days, the local average translates to approximately 18 crimes per day — a figure that, while consistent with prior months, underscores the area's relatively low crime environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 298 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Wealden well below the national average. This statistic, when contextualised against the local population of 166,908, illustrates a manageable level of risk for residents, particularly when compared to areas with higher density or more transient populations. The reduction in vehicle crime by 66.2% (from 68 to 23 incidents) is particularly notable, suggesting potential success in local initiatives targeting motor vehicle-related offences or shifts in seasonal activity patterns.