Cold Ash Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cold Ash’s crime rate of 2.0 per 1,000 in August 2023 places it 75.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, underscoring its position as one of the safer areas in the country. This built-up area within West Berkshire, home to approximately 11,400 residents, sees property crimes dominate the crime picture, accounting for 56.5% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences make up 21.7% of the total, a figure that sits 85% below the UK average for this category. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month and increased tourism—may contribute to the 200% month-on-month rise in burglary, as empty homes during the summer months likely create vulnerabilities. Despite this, the overall crime profile remains markedly low, with property crimes such as vehicle crime and criminal damage and arson also significantly below national averages. The area’s low population density and suburban character may play a role in its crime pattern, with fewer high-traffic commercial zones to drive shoplifting or public order offences. While the UK average reflects a broader mix of urban and rural crime trends, Cold Ash’s data illustrates a community where property-focused crimes are more prevalent than violent incidents, and where the seasonal ebb and flow of residents and visitors appears to have a measurable impact on specific categories like burglary.

August 2023 saw a sharp 200% increase in burglary compared to July, with three incidents reported—a stark contrast to the single incident in the previous month. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of August, when holiday absences may leave homes unoccupied and vulnerable. Meanwhile, drugs-related offences doubled from zero to two incidents, marking a notable shift in the crime mix. Public order offences also rose by 100%, reflecting a small but significant uptick in disturbances. Despite these increases, Cold Ash’s overall crime rate remains far below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 0.4 per 1,000—85% below the national rate of 2.6 per 1,000. The area’s property crime focus is further evident in the 37% UK deficit for criminal damage and arson, and the 18% deficit for vehicle crime. Residents may find the breakdown of crime types useful: while property crimes dominate, the absence of significant violent crime trends suggests a community where safety concerns are largely confined to specific, manageable categories.

Cold Ash’s August 2023 crime rate of 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 129.5% increase compared to July’s rate of 0.9 per 1,000, yet it remains 75.3% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day in August, a figure that, while modest, reflects the month-on-month volatility in specific categories like burglary. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 496 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the low frequency of incidents in this small built-up area. When scaled to the population of 11,400, the 23 total crimes reported in August translate to a crime rate that is exceptionally low compared to the UK’s broader context. This contrast is particularly striking in categories such as violence and sexual offences, where Cold Ash’s rate is 85% below the national average. The area’s low population density and suburban character likely contribute to its crime profile, with fewer concentrated urban spaces to drive violent crime or public order issues. While the 200% rise in burglary from July raises questions about local security practices, the overall picture remains one of relative safety, with residents facing a crime environment that is markedly less intense than the national average.