Lower Willingdon Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Lower Willingdon's crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 in April 2024 places it 45.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently safer environment compared to national trends. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (12 incidents, 37.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (6 cases, 18.8%) and shoplifting (4 cases, 12.5%). This pattern aligns with the characteristics of a built-up area within Wealden, where retail activity and community interactions may contribute to the prevalence of certain offences. Seasonal factors in April—such as the Easter holiday period and the transition to warmer weather—likely influence crime dynamics, with increased foot traffic in local shops and public spaces potentially correlating with higher rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Despite this, the area's overall rate remains markedly lower than the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community initiatives may be contributing to this trend. The relatively low incidence of burglary (2 cases, 6.3%) and public order offences (1 case, 3.1%) further underscores the area's distinct crime profile compared to more densely populated urban centres.

April 2024 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+100%), bicycle theft (+100%), and 'other crime' (+100%) compared to March, reflecting potential shifts in criminal activity patterns. This rise in shoplifting aligns with the Easter holiday period, when retail premises may experience higher foot traffic and temporary staffing shortages. Violence and sexual offences remained 38% below the UK average (1.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour was 34% below the national rate (0.8 per 1,000). A significant anomaly emerged in the 'other crime' category, which was 150% above the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), though the exact nature of these incidents remains unspecified in the data. Conversely, public order offences fell by 66.7% (3 → 1), potentially indicating a reduction in alcohol-related disputes or increased community engagement during the Easter period. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with seasonal transitions and specific events influencing activity levels.

The crime rate in April 2024 (4.2 per 1,000) represents a 33.3% increase from March's rate of 3.2 per 1,000, though it remains substantially below the UK average. On a daily basis, Lower Willingdon recorded approximately 1 crime per day in April, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 238 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate suggests a relatively low risk environment compared to areas with higher population densities. With a population of 7,611, the area's crime statistics indicate that residents face significantly lower risks than the national average, particularly in categories such as violence (38% below UK) and anti-social behaviour (34% below UK). The increase from March, however, underscores the importance of monitoring seasonal trends—such as the Easter period—and their potential impact on local crime patterns. While the 1-in-238 resident exposure rate may seem abstract, it provides a tangible metric for residents to contextualise their personal safety within the broader statistical framework.