Belper Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Belper’s crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents placed the area 26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a figure that highlights a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels. The breakdown of crimes revealed a striking imbalance between violent and property offences: 41 violent crimes (37.6% of the total) were reported, compared to 30 property crimes. This dominance of violent crime—particularly violence and sexual offences—raises questions about the underlying factors contributing to this disparity. While the UK average for violence and sexual offences stands at 2.6 per 1,000, Belper’s rate of 2.1 per 1,000 suggests a lower prevalence of these crimes locally, possibly due to community policing efforts or demographic characteristics. However, the higher proportion of violent crime compared to property crime may reflect local dynamics, such as the area’s role as a commuter town or the influence of seasonal factors. April, with its Easter holidays and milder spring weather, typically sees increased outdoor activity, which could both drive and deter certain types of crime. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category (22.0% of total crimes), remained relatively stable, with its rate (1.2 per 1,000) just 2% above the UK average. This suggests that while Belper’s residents face a lower overall crime burden, the nature of the crimes they encounter differs from the national profile. The data also shows that property-related crimes—such as shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary—are significantly below UK averages, with shoplifting at 58% below and burglary at 67% below. These figures may indicate effective local measures targeting retail crime or the absence of high-risk environments like densely populated urban centres. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition into warmer weather—may have influenced crime patterns, as outdoor spaces become more frequented and community events alter opportunities for criminal activity. Overall, Belper’s crime profile in April 2023 illustrates a combination of local conditions and national trends, with violent crime dominating the landscape while property crime remains subdued.

April 2023 saw a 32.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 31 to 41 cases—a shift that underscores a growing emphasis on violent crime relative to property crime. This rise in violent offences contrasts with a 47.1% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 17 to 9 cases, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as Easter-related events reducing opportunities for vandalism. Meanwhile, bicycle theft surged by 100%, jumping from zero to one reported incident, a rare spike that may indicate targeted activity or improved reporting practices. Belper’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.1 per 1,000) sits 19% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000) is just 2% above the national benchmark. This divergence suggests local factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may be influencing specific crime categories differently than the UK-wide trends.

Belper’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 5.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 4.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.8. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during spring, when outdoor activity typically rises but crime rates often stabilise or fall slightly. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 4 crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 181 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a clear snapshot of how frequently residents might encounter crime in their community. When scaled to the population of 19,732, the rate remains lower than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reinforcing Belper’s position as a relatively safe area within the region. The decrease from March to April may reflect seasonal shifts, such as the Easter holiday period, which could have temporarily reduced opportunities for certain types of crime, particularly those linked to nightlife or public spaces.