Wealden Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden’s crime rate in December 2024 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 52.1% below the UK average of 7.1. This performance reflects a consistent pattern of lower-than-national crime levels, though the composition of incidents reveals specific local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37.9% of all crimes, yet their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 still significantly outperforms the UK average of 2.6. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage followed, both at rates below the national benchmark. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended dark evenings—may have influenced crime patterns, though the area’s overall safety suggests effective community policing or demographic factors that reduce risk. The sharp decline in vehicle crime compared to previous months could indicate a successful response to targeted interventions, while the persistent presence of violent crime highlights ongoing challenges in certain areas. The low rates of theft from the person and shoplifting, both 100% and 47% below UK averages respectively, further illustrate Wealden’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its relatively affluent population and strong local infrastructure.

December 2024 brought significant reductions in several crime categories, with vehicle crime plummeting by 66.2% (68 to 23 incidents) and theft from the person declining by 66.7% (3 to 1). These decreases may reflect heightened community awareness during the festive season or increased police patrols in high-risk areas. Conversely, possession of weapons rose sharply by 57.1% (7 to 11), a trend that contrasts with the area’s generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 37.9% of all reported crimes, yet their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 still sits 49% below the UK average. The sharp drop in vehicle crime is particularly noteworthy for residents, as it suggests a potential success in addressing a historically persistent issue in the area. Meanwhile, the increase in weapons possession warrants attention, though its scale remains modest compared to the overall crime picture.

Wealden's crime rate in December 2024 fell by 16.2% compared to November, dropping from 4.0 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal trends, where holiday periods often see shifts in criminal activity patterns. Locally, the monthly aggregate shows one reported crime for every 298 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. Daily crime counts averaged 18 incidents per day, a figure that may reflect both the pace of policing and the nature of Wealden’s communities. While the overall rate remains 52.1% below the UK average, specific categories like possession of weapons show divergent trends, rising 57.1% month-on-month. This contrast highlights the need for targeted interventions even within a generally safer area. The population context further underscores that Wealden’s crime profile is distinct, with its lower-than-average rates in most categories suggesting effective local strategies or demographic factors that mitigate risk.