October 2024: UK Crime Index
As we head into the final stretch of 2024, it’s clear that crime trends across the UK are shifting—some for better, some for worse. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial, not just for residents and local communities, but also for anyone involved in the property market. After all, crime rates can influence where people choose to live, affecting everything from house prices to the overall appeal of an area. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the October 2024 crime index, examining the biggest increases and decreases across the UK, as well as what these numbers mean for local residents and prospective buyers alike.
In particular, we’ll highlight areas where crime has spiked sharply, like St. Helens and Sefton, and explore the reasons behind these jumps. At the same time, we’ll celebrate the places where crime has dropped significantly, such as Bridgend and Ceredigion, and discuss how these reductions might signal growing safety and stability in those communities.
The interplay between crime rates and property values is something no one in the housing market can afford to ignore. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or investor, these statistics offer a window into the dynamic nature of the UK housing market, providing valuable insights into which areas are thriving—and which might be facing new challenges.
Table Of Contents
Overall UK Crime Index
| Month | Crime Per 1k | Change |
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Reflecting on October, the UK’s crime figures reveal a slight shift, perhaps hinting at trends we can expect as the year comes to a close. For September 2024, we observed a crime rate of 8.73 per 1,000 people—a notable decrease of 6.7% from the previous month. To put it in perspective, this drop represents a welcomed shift from August’s 9.36 per 1,000, though the reasons behind it require a closer look.
What’s driving this trend? Well, a dip like this often sparks speculation, especially in the property world. Lower crime rates are usually a beacon for neighbourhood stability and can even lift property values. However, while a single month’s drop is promising, it’s no guarantee of a long-term decline. As we move through autumn, will this trend hold? It’s certainly something both prospective buyers and long-time residents are keenly watching.
Below is every crime category for the month and their respective crime rates with a comparison of August 2024 and the annual national average.
Anti-Social Behaviour |
Bicycle Theft |
Burglary |
Criminal Damage & Arson |
Drugs |
Possession Of Weapons |
Public Order |
Robbery |
Shoplifting |
Theft From A Person |
Vehicle Crime |
Violence & Sexual Offences |
As you can see from the data above there are some areas that have seen a rise despite the overall drop with drug related offences being the key culprit and shoplifting also showing national increases.
Whilst this may be the case, anti-social behaviour has seen a drop this month alongside criminal damage & arson.
This is obviously welcomed news to all UK residents whether they are homeowners or not and is hopefully a sign of crime rates dropping more the in future.
Biggest Overall Crime Increase
| Month | Crime Per 1k | Change |
|---|---|---|
| – |
Now, let’s talk about Gwynedd. This region saw the most significant uptick in crime last month, with September 2024’s figures reaching 7.79 crimes per 1,000 residents—a jump of 8.5% from August’s 7.18. For a community like Gwynedd, known for its tranquil landscapes and close-knit feel, this increase might come as a bit of a surprise.
An 8.5% rise isn’t minor, and for residents, it could stir up feelings of unease, especially if it signals the beginning of a longer-term trend. As a property expert, I know all too well that changes in crime rates can impact buyer perception, affecting how people view an area’s appeal. For potential buyers or current owners, crime levels are a key factor when deciding where to live or invest.
Will Gwynedd see a quick turnaround, or is this a sign of shifting dynamics in what’s typically a peaceful area? Only time will tell, but it’s definitely a statistic worth watching as we move deeper into the autumn months.
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Anti-Social Behaviour |
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Bicycle Theft |
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Burglary |
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Criminal Damage & Arson |
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Drugs |
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Possession Of Weapons |
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Public Order |
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Robbery |
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Shoplifting |
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Theft From A Person |
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Vehicle Crime |
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Violence & Sexual Offences |
Biggest Overall Crime Drop
| Month | Crime Per 1k | Change |
|---|---|---|
| – |
Merthyr Tydfil stands out this month, boasting the most significant drop in crime across the UK. In September 2024, the crime rate plummeted to 8.6 per 1,000 residents—a remarkable decrease of 20.8% from August’s 10.86. For a community that’s seen its share of challenges, this decline feels like a breath of fresh air.
A drop like this doesn’t just look good on paper; it reshapes the very atmosphere of a place. When crime takes a dip, people feel more comfortable out and about, neighbours connect more easily, and an overall sense of calm settles in. And from a property perspective, such a substantial reduction can positively affect market sentiment, making Merthyr Tydfil all the more appealing to buyers looking for both affordability and security.
Of course, it’s early days yet, and a single month doesn’t make a trend—but it’s a promising shift. If this improvement continues, it could reinforce Merthyr Tydfil as a top choice for those seeking a vibrant yet safe place to call home.
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Anti-Social Behaviour |
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Bicycle Theft |
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Burglary |
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Criminal Damage & Arson |
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Drugs |
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Possession Of Weapons |
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Public Order |
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Robbery |
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Shoplifting |
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Theft From A Person |
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Vehicle Crime |
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Violence & Sexual Offences |
Biggest Individual Crime Increase
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St. Helens saw an eye-catching spike in a specific crime category: theft from the person. In September 2024, incidents shot up by an astonishing 1,400%, with rates rising from 0.01 to 0.09 per 1,000 residents. While those numbers might look small at first glance, the percentage jump is significant, especially for a community that isn’t typically associated with high personal theft.
A surge like this is bound to raise eyebrows and heighten local concerns. For residents, it may prompt a sense of unease, possibly leading them to take extra precautions when out and about. And from a property market viewpoint, a rise in theft can affect how potential buyers view the area—safety perceptions are vital when people weigh up where they want to settle down.
The big question now is whether this increase is a one-off or the start of a concerning trend. Local authorities will need to keep a close eye on these numbers, as a sustained rise could alter the community’s image. For now, though, St. Helens’ residents are likely hoping this is just an unfortunate anomaly.
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Over in Sefton, the story is similarly surprising. Theft from the person jumped a staggering 500% in September 2024, with the rate climbing from virtually zero to 0.2 per 1,000 residents. While that may sound modest in absolute terms, such a sharp rise is bound to draw attention, especially in a community where personal theft had previously been almost non-existent.
For residents, a sudden increase like this can feel unsettling. It shifts the sense of security people have in their daily lives, whether it’s strolling through town or simply feeling relaxed in public spaces. And for those considering Sefton as a place to live, this jump in theft might raise a red flag—especially as safety and community trust rank high on many buyers’ checklists.
Whether this spike will persist or taper off is anyone’s guess, but local authorities will surely want to address it before it dents the community’s appeal. For now, Sefton residents are likely hoping this surge is a temporary blip rather than a long-term trend.
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Rutland, usually known for its peaceful vibe, saw a notable jump in bicycle theft last month. In September 2024, the rate surged by 300%, climbing from 0.03 to 0.12 per 1,000 residents. While these figures may seem small, the percentage increase is hard to ignore—especially in a region where such incidents have historically been rare.
For cyclists and local residents, this rise in theft might be a bit unsettling. Bicycles aren’t just about getting around; they’re an investment, a part of daily routines, even a lifestyle. An increase in theft can make people feel less secure, pushing them to reconsider where and how they store their bikes or even where they ride.
From a property perspective, this sort of spike could subtly influence buyers’ perceptions, particularly those who prioritise safety and security in quieter areas like Rutland. Let’s hope this is a temporary rise and that the local authorities can quickly address the situation. For now, though, it’s an unexpected change in Rutland’s usually quiet crime landscape.
Biggest Individual Crime Drop
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Warrington had a bit of good news on the crime front in September 2024, with theft from the person plummeting by a remarkable 94%. The rate dropped from 0.25 to just 0.02 per 1,000 residents, which represents a significant shift for the town. For residents, this decline likely brings a sense of relief and reinforces a sense of safety in the community.
A drop of this magnitude suggests that either preventative measures or increased local vigilance are having a tangible impact. For potential homebuyers, such statistics are reassuring, making Warrington even more appealing as a secure place to settle down. After all, areas with declining crime rates often draw interest from families and professionals alike who seek peace of mind in their everyday environment.
It’s encouraging to see numbers like these, and hopefully, Warrington can maintain this positive trend. For now, this decrease stands out as a positive indicator for both residents and future buyers.
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In Bridgend, we’re seeing an impressive reduction in anti-social behaviour. In September 2024, incidents dropped by a substantial 80%, a development that likely brings a fresh sense of calm to the community. Anti-social behaviour, after all, isn’t just about nuisance—it can deeply impact the quality of life for residents, affecting everything from public spaces to neighbourhood cohesion.
This drop likely translates into a more welcoming atmosphere in Bridgend, something that local residents and potential buyers alike will appreciate. For families and individuals considering a move, a reduction in anti-social incidents can make an area significantly more attractive, boosting its reputation as a safe and friendly place to live.
It’s a promising shift, and one that could encourage even greater community engagement and pride. Here’s hoping Bridgend can keep up the momentum, making it a more appealing choice for both current and future residents.
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Ceredigion saw a heartening drop in bicycle theft last month, with incidents decreasing by 75% in September 2024—from 0.06 down to 0.02 per 1,000 residents. For a community that values its outdoor lifestyle, this is welcome news. Fewer bike thefts mean residents can feel a bit more at ease, whether they’re commuting, exploring the scenic countryside, or simply enjoying a weekend ride.
For prospective buyers, a decline in crimes like bicycle theft can enhance the area’s appeal, especially for those who value an active lifestyle and want a secure place to call home. Lower crime rates contribute to Ceredigion’s image as a safe, community-oriented location, potentially drawing more interest from families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Let’s hope this trend continues, keeping Ceredigion a secure haven for cyclists and residents looking for peace of mind.
