Evesham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Evesham's crime rate stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents — 6.2% above the UK average of 8.0 — translating to a per-capita risk that places the area slightly higher than the national benchmark. This figure, while not alarmingly high, reflects a mixed picture of crime types that align with the built-up area's characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 23.9% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting (19.0%) and anti-social behaviour (13.0%). These proportions suggest a blend of personal safety concerns and property-related issues that may be influenced by the town's mix of retail spaces, residential areas, and historic sites. The seasonal context of May — with its longer evenings and bank holidays — likely contributed to increased socialising and outdoor activity, which may partly explain the rise in violence and public order offences. However, the data also reveals notable disparities compared to the UK average: shoplifting and burglary rates are significantly higher, while violent crimes are 28% below the national figure. This contrast may be attributed to Evesham's relatively low population density and the absence of large-scale commercial hubs that often correlate with higher violent crime rates. The 1.6 per 1,000 rate for shoplifting, which is 227% above the UK average, points to a specific vulnerability in retail areas that may require targeted measures. Meanwhile, the 1.1 per 1,000 rate for anti-social behaviour, 17% below the UK average, suggests that community-focused initiatives could be effective in maintaining the current balance. The overall crime rate, while above the UK average, remains within a range that is consistent with other similar-sized built-up areas in the West Midlands. As such, the data provides a nuanced view of Evesham's crime profile, highlighting both areas for improvement and existing strengths in community safety.

May 2023 saw a 600% surge in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 7 incidents — the most dramatic increase in any category. This jump, coupled with a 133% rise in criminal damage and arson, suggests shifting dynamics in local criminal activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell 45% compared to April, potentially reflecting seasonal changes in parking patterns or increased awareness during warmer weather. The breakdown of crime types reveals significant disparities compared to the UK average: shoplifting and burglary are 227% and 223% above national rates, respectively, while violent crimes are 28% below the UK average. These contrasts highlight Evesham's unique challenges, particularly in retail areas where shoplifting remains high. For residents, the 1.6 per 1,000 rate for shoplifting (accounting for nearly 20% of all crimes) may be a useful data point for local businesses considering security upgrades.

Evesham's crime rate in May 2023 rose 5.5% compared to April, reaching 8.5 per 1,000 residents — a figure that translates to roughly 8 crimes reported each day across the built-up area. This monthly aggregate means that over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for every 118 residents, a statistic that contextualises risk in terms of local population density. The increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical of May, when longer evenings and bank holidays may partly explain heightened socialising and outdoor activity. While the daily crime count remains relatively low, the shift from April underscores the importance of tracking fluctuations in specific categories. For instance, the 227% spike in shoplifting compared to the UK average suggests a localised pressure point that may warrant targeted interventions. This comparison to the UK average also reveals stark contrasts in certain crime types, such as burglary and criminal damage, which are 223% and 133% above national benchmarks respectively. These figures highlight areas where Evesham's profile diverges significantly from the broader UK context, offering insights into local vulnerabilities that could inform community-focused policing strategies.