Wealden Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 166,908, 655 crimes reported in March 2024 translate to 3.9 crimes per 1,000 residents—a rate 49.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This places Wealden among the safest areas in the country for this period. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, comprising 37.3% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.8% and shoplifting at 7.9%. These figures align with patterns observed in mixed urban-rural areas where community policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced property crime. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings and clocks moving forward, may have influenced crime patterns. While violence and sexual offences remain the largest category, their rate of 1.5 per 1,000 is 44% below the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community engagement or effective policing strategies may be at play. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, may reflect the area’s character as a commuter hub with transient populations. The low rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime—51% and 57% below the UK average, respectively—could indicate successful retail security measures or lower foot traffic during the month. These trends illustrate a crime profile shaped by both geographic and seasonal dynamics, with Wealden’s overall safety reflecting a combination of demographic factors and local initiatives.

March 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with increases in certain categories and decreases in others. Other crime rose by 81.8% (11 to 20 incidents), a sharp jump that may reflect underreported or newly emerging issues. Bicycle theft also climbed by 66.7% (3 to 5), potentially linked to the season’s shift toward more cycling as days lengthen. Vehicle crime increased by 44% (25 to 36), due to changes in parking patterns or increased motorist activity. Conversely, burglary fell by 35.7% (28 to 18), aligning with the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000 and suggesting improved home security measures or reduced opportunities for intrusion. Possession of weapons dropped by 30.8% (13 to 9), a reduction that may indicate ongoing efforts in community engagement or targeted policing. Theft from the person also decreased by 25% (4 to 3), reflecting heightened awareness during the month. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Wealden, with some categories showing resilience while others require closer attention. For residents, the 37.3% share of violence and sexual offences underscores the need for continued focus on addressing interpersonal conflicts and ensuring public safety in communal spaces.

Wealden’s crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 in March 2024 marked an 18.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.3 per 1,000, reflecting a modest upward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly 21 crimes reported each day—a figure that, while notable, remains lower than the UK average when scaled to Wealden’s population. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 255 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, Wealden’s crime profile appears significantly more secure than the UK average, with most categories showing marked reductions. For instance, violent crime in Wealden (1.5 per 1,000) is 44% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, a disparity that may be attributed to the area’s mix of rural and semi-rural characteristics, which often correlate with lower crime rates. The drop in burglary (0.1 per 1,000) to 69% below the UK average further illustrates how localized factors—such as community cohesion or property design—can influence crime trends. These comparisons highlight Wealden’s position as a safer area relative to national benchmarks, even as it navigates seasonal shifts and minor fluctuations in crime types.