Crime falls 20% in November

New crime statistics for November 2024 indicate a positive trend for Newtown and the surrounding SY16 area, with 168 crimes recorded across the region.

This represents a substantial 20% reduction compared to the 209 incidents reported in October. While the overall decline is encouraging, a closer look at the data highlights both areas of significant improvement and those requiring continued attention.

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You can view the crime locations via our interactive map here.

Several major crime categories saw notable decreases.

• Violence and Sexual Offences: Although this remains the most commonly reported crime type, incidents decreased from 85 in October to 76 in November, a 10% reduction.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Reports fell dramatically by 39%, from 33 cases in October to 20 in November.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: This category experienced a significant 38% drop, with cases falling from 26 to 16.
• Burglary: Burglary incidents were halved, dropping from 10 cases in October to just five in November.
• Shoplifting: A major decline was also observed in shoplifting, with incidents dropping from eight to three.

While many crime categories saw reductions, a few remained stable or experienced minor increases.

• Other Theft: Reports of other theft remained consistent, with nine cases reported in both October and November.
• Public Order Offences: Public order offences saw a slight rise, increasing from 18 incidents in October to 20 in November. While not a significant jump, this category remains an area of focus to ensure public safety.
• Vehicle Crime: Although overall numbers are relatively low, vehicle crime rose slightly from two incidents in October to three in November.
• Bicycle Theft: After no cases were reported in October, two incidents of bicycle theft were recorded in November.
• Possession of Weapons: Similarly, possession of weapons increased from one to two cases. While these numbers are low, any increase in weapon-related crimes is a concern.

The 20% overall reduction in reported crimes suggests positive momentum for the Newtown and SY16 area.

Significant improvements in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and burglary are particularly encouraging, as these categories can have a direct impact on residents' sense of safety.