Exploring the 187 crimes reported in September

In September 2024, there were 187 recorded crimes in Newtown and the wider SY16 area, marking a significant shift in the local crime landscape.

While certain categories showed promising declines, others, notably violence and sexual offences, registered a concerning rise. A closer look at these statistics in comparison to August 2024 reveals some clear trends and raises questions about what may be fueling the changes.

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The most notable statistic for September is the increase in violence and sexual offences, which accounted for a significant 110 incidents—up from 83 in August. This 32% rise underscores an area of mounting concern for residents and local authorities.

In contrast, public order offences fell from 31 in August to 22 in September, a 29% decrease, suggesting potential improvements in community safety or enforcement measures. Anti-social behaviour also saw a promising decrease, dropping from 21 cases in August to 11 in September—a nearly 50% reduction. This decline in disturbances and public nuisances could indicate effective policing or community interventions, contributing to a quieter and more orderly environment in Newtown.

Other types of crime also saw decreases in September. The number of theft incidents dropped from 15 to 9, while burglaries decreased from 12 to 8 cases. Similarly, instances of criminal damage and arson saw a notable reduction from 16 in August to 8 in September. These reductions suggest that efforts to curb property crimes and protect local businesses may be having a positive impact.

However, not all categories showed improvement. Shoplifting, while seeing a drop from 15 incidents in August to 6 in September, remains a topic of concern for business owners. Drug-related crimes and possession of weapons both registered a slight decline but remain notable due to their potential impact on public safety. Notably, possession of weapons rose slightly from 1 to 2 recorded incidents in September, underscoring an area for further monitoring.

The outcomes of September’s crimes shed light on how cases are progressing through the justice system:

• Under Investigation: 88 of the reported cases remain under investigation.
• No Suspect Identified: In 21 cases, investigations have been completed but no suspect was identified.
• Unable to Prosecute Suspect: Authorities were unable to prosecute in 51 cases, possibly due to insufficient evidence or other legal barriers.
• Awaiting Court Outcome: 8 cases are currently awaiting court outcomes.
• Local Resolutions and Cautions: 4 cases were resolved locally, and 2 cases resulted in cautions, suggesting alternative resolutions for minor offences.
• Cases Not in the Public Interest: 2 cases were discontinued as formal action or further investigation was deemed not in the public interest.

You can explore all the 187 crimes on our interactive map by clicking here.