Wealden Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wealden's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, maintaining its position 46.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This consistent underperformance against national benchmarks suggests a unique local context, possibly shaped by Wealden's mixed urban-rural character and lower population density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.5% of total crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.7%) and criminal damage and arson (11.6%). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as May's longer evenings and warmer weather likely contribute to increased social activity in public spaces. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (228 vs 280 total crimes) contrasts with the UK profile, where property offences typically outpace violence. This imbalance may reflect Wealden's demographic profile, with higher concentrations of younger populations in areas prone to anti-social behaviour. The relatively low rates of shoplifting (8.2% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (5.5%) further distinguish Wealden from urban centres where these categories often dominate. While the area's overall safety remains evident, the 8.2% month-on-month increase in total crimes warrants attention, particularly as it coincides with May's bank holidays and increased outdoor activity. This rise, though modest, may indicate underlying trends that require closer monitoring in the coming months.

May 2024 saw a sharp 300% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights a potential shift in local dynamics. Public order offences surged by 45.7% (46 to 67), likely linked to May's extended evenings and increased socialising. Conversely, burglary rates fell 36.6% (41 to 26), possibly reflecting improved security measures or seasonal changes in property occupation. Violence and sexual offences, though the most common category (30.5% of total crimes), remained 51% below the UK average at 1.4 per 1,000. This disparity underscores Wealden's distinct profile compared to national trends, with anti-social behaviour (19.7% of total crimes) also significantly underperforming the UK average by 38%. Residents may find the 36.7% rise in vehicle crime (30 to 41) noteworthy, particularly for those parking in areas with high foot traffic.

Wealden's crime rate in May 2024 rose 8.2% from April's 4.1 to 4.5 per 1,000 residents, marking the first upward shift in the local authority's recent trend. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the area's persistent 46.4% deficit against the UK average. Daily crime statistics reveal 24 incidents reported each day in May, a figure that, while low in absolute terms, reflects the area's smaller population. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 223 residents experienced a reported crime — a ratio that, when contextualised against Wealden's population of 166,908, underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in this mixed urban-rural district. The shift from April to May aligns with seasonal patterns, as extended daylight and warmer weather typically correlate with increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to the rise in public order offences.