West Northamptonshire Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

West Northamptonshire's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, 2.4% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure represents a notable improvement from the previous month's rate of 8.7 per 1,000, though August remains a seasonally active period for crime. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.9%) and criminal damage and arson (7.1%). These patterns align with the district's mix of urban and rural environments, where high-traffic areas contribute to anti-social behaviour and property crimes. The seasonal context of August—marked by increased tourism, school holidays, and summer events—may influence crime trends, particularly for burglary and vehicle crime. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, specific categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime remain elevated, suggesting localized pressures that require targeted interventions. The district's violent crime rate mirrors the national average, but its performance in categories like public order offences (37% below UK levels) and shoplifting (15% below) indicates areas of relative strength. These dynamics reflect a combination of regional characteristics, seasonal rhythms, and policing strategies, all of which shape the crime profile for the month.

August 2024 saw a significant 11.4% drop in violence and sexual offences, the most common crime category, falling from 1,344 to 1,191 incidents. This sharp decline contrasts with increases in bicycle theft (+24.2%) and possession of weapons (+23.5%), which may reflect heightened summer activity or shifts in enforcement priorities. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 18.6%, potentially linked to seasonal retail patterns or targeted policing efforts. Public order offences also fell by 24.4%, a reduction that could indicate successful community engagement initiatives in high-traffic areas. The district's violent crime rate (2.7 per 1,000) matches the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.6 per 1,000) is 11% above the national benchmark, highlighting localized challenges in managing public conduct.

West Northamptonshire's crime rate in August 2024 fell to 8.0 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.4% drop from the previous month's 8.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the region during summer months, though August remains a peak period for certain crimes. On average, 113 crimes were reported daily in August, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a district of 439,811 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area's population density and distribution of crime hotspots. While this rate is lower than the prior month, it remains consistent with the district's historical pattern of seasonal fluctuations, particularly during August when tourism and holiday activity may influence crime dynamics.