Lower Willingdon Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 7,611 residents, 14 crimes reported in July 2024 equate to 1.8 crimes per 1,000 people — a figure 78.6% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This built-up area within Wealden, likely characterised by a mix of residential and commercial land use, saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 35.7% of all incidents (5 cases). Criminal damage and arson followed with 14.3% (2 cases), while drugs, public order, and anti-social behaviour each contributed 7.1%. The low overall rate may partly reflect seasonal patterns, with July marking peak summer activity — schools out, tourism high, and festivals drawing visitors. Such factors could temporarily reduce opportunities for certain crimes. The area's crime profile contrasts sharply with national trends, particularly in violent crimes, which stood at 0.7 per 1,000 (UK average: 2.9 per 1,000). This suggests a community with lower levels of violent incidents compared to the UK average. The absence of major crimes like burglary or theft from vehicles, which are typically associated with urban centres, points to a lower density of high-traffic areas or more effective local policing. However, the data does not provide evidence of specific interventions. Seasonal context adds nuance: while festivals and events may deter some crimes, they could also increase public order offences. The low volume of crimes reported means statistical significance is limited, but the pattern is consistent with a relatively safe, low-density built-up area.

July 2024 saw notable shifts in crime types compared to June. Anti-social behaviour fell by 87.5% (from 8 to 1 cases), and violence and sexual offences decreased by 54.5% (from 11 to 5 cases), reflecting a marked improvement in community safety. Conversely, drugs-related offences surged by 100% (from 0 to 1 case), as did theft from the person (also 100% increase). These spikes, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging issues or data anomalies. The crime mix also shifted: property crimes (6) now account for 42.9% of total incidents, compared to violent crimes (5, 35.7%), marking a slight increase in property-focused offences. This shift may align with July's seasonal context — a month of outdoor events and increased foot traffic, which can both deter and attract certain types of crime. For instance, the rise in theft from the person could be linked to higher numbers of tourists or festival-goers in the area. However, the overall volume remains exceptionally low, with 14 crimes across a population of 7,611 — roughly one crime for every 544 residents over the month. This figure is particularly striking when compared to the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stood at 2.9 per 1,000 (Lower Willingdon: 0.7 per 1,000). Such a gap suggests the area's crime profile is safer in this category, though the reasons remain unexplored by the data.

The crime rate in July 2024 (1.8 per 1,000) marked a 53.3% decline from June's rate of 3.9 per 1,000, indicating a significant improvement in local safety. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 0 crimes per day — a figure that, while mathematically precise, underscores the rarity of incidents in Lower Willingdon. This is particularly notable when considering the population context: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 544 residents. To put this into perspective, if the population were 10,000, this would equate to one crime per 680 residents — a rate still far below UK averages. The contrast with national statistics is stark: for example, anti-social behaviour in Lower Willingdon (0.1 per 1,000) is 93% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This suggests a community where such incidents are either less frequent or more effectively managed. However, the low volume of crimes also means that fluctuations — such as the 100% increase in drugs-related offences — may be due to statistical noise rather than significant trends. For residents, the daily crime rate of 0 is a tangible reassurance, though such a figure is only possible in areas with exceptionally low crime levels. The comparison with the previous month highlights a positive trajectory, but the data does not provide insight into the factors driving this improvement, whether through policing efforts, community engagement, or seasonal dynamics.