Stourport-on-Severn Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 saw a sharp rise in drug-related crimes in Stourport-on-Severn, a built-up area within Wyre Forest, with reports increasing by 200% compared to the previous month. While the overall crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 remains 46.2% below the UK average, the surge in drug offences highlights a growing concern for local residents. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (36.3% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (20.0%), and criminal damage and arson (11.3%). These patterns align with seasonal factors: as university freshers return and school terms resume, increased social activity may contribute to higher incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Stourport-on-Severn is 42% below the UK average, suggesting local policing or community initiatives may be effective in mitigating such crimes. However, the significant increase in drug-related incidents—now accounting for 3.8% of all crimes—requires closer attention, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or transient populations. The area's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK reflects its character as a smaller, less densely populated built-up area, where community cohesion and local policing likely play a role in keeping crime levels manageable. Seasonal transitions in September, with shorter evenings and the return of students, may also influence crime dynamics, particularly in public spaces and late-night venues.

The most alarming trend in September was the 200% increase in drug-related crimes, which rose from one to three reported incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, warrants awareness, especially in areas near transport hubs or popular social venues. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by two-thirds (from 12 to 4), and shoplifting dropped similarly (from 3 to 1), suggesting a possible seasonal dip in opportunistic crimes as the summer tourist season wanes. Stourport-on-Severn's violence and sexual offences rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 42% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 2.7 per 1,000 national figure. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.9 per 1,000, is also 33% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's smaller population and community-focused policing. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding drug-related activity, as the increase may indicate new distribution networks or shifts in local patterns. The drop in shoplifting and public order offences, while positive, may also be influenced by shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic, typical for late September in a built-up area. These fluctuations underscore the importance of monitoring crime trends alongside seasonal and demographic shifts.

Stourport-on-Severn's crime rate in September 2023 (4.3 per 1,000) marked a 33.8% decrease from August's 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a significant monthly improvement. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly three crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, highlights the persistent presence of crime in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 234 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many larger urban centres. This statistic contextualises the area's safety profile, placing it in contrast with the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. The population-scaled perspective is particularly instructive: with 18,755 residents, the absolute number of crimes (80) remains proportionally low, suggesting that local efforts in crime prevention and community engagement are yielding results. However, the 200% increase in drug-related crimes serves as a reminder that even in areas with generally low crime rates, specific issues can emerge rapidly. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that Stourport-on-Severn's performance in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences is consistently below national benchmarks, which may reflect its smaller size and more tightly knit community. These figures collectively illustrate a safer built-up area with targeted vulnerabilities, requiring nuanced approaches to address emerging challenges.