Belper Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Belper's December 2023 crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents stands 51.4% below the UK average of 7.2, marking one of the most significant disparities between local and national crime trends in recent months. This built-up area within Amber Valley, with a population of 19,732, recorded 68 crimes in total, a rate that reflects a combination of effective local policing and the area's character as a smaller, possibly more cohesive community compared to larger urban centres. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (36.8% of total crimes), criminal damage and arson (19.1%), and anti-social behaviour (16.2%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for similar categories, where violence and sexual offences were 50% below the national rate, while criminal damage and arson were 25% above. The seasonal context of December—characterised by shorter days, holiday periods, and increased retail activity—may partly explain patterns in violent crime and property offences. However, the marked reduction in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or targeted interventions, could be playing a role. The lower rate of anti-social behaviour and public order offences compared to the UK average also indicates that Belper may have a more stable social environment during this time of year, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis. Overall, the data illustrates a crime profile that diverges from national trends, with both notable strengths and areas requiring attention in specific crime categories.

December 2023 saw several significant shifts in Belper's crime profile. Violence and sexual offences fell by 30.6% compared to November, dropping from 36 to 25 incidents—a decline that may reflect seasonal factors such as holiday-related community cohesion or reduced public gatherings. Conversely, criminal damage and arson surged by 333.3%, increasing from 3 to 13 cases, an anomaly that could be linked to empty homes during the festive period or increased property neglect. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, doubling from 1 to 3 incidents (+200%), tied to increased car usage during Christmas shopping or changes in parking patterns. Other theft decreased by 75% (from 8 to 2 cases), a drop that may be connected to heightened awareness during the holiday season or the closure of certain retail outlets. The breakdown of crimes reveals that Belper's rate of anti-social behaviour is 35% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively low incidence of disruptive conduct. However, the area's rate of criminal damage and arson is 25% above the UK average, highlighting a specific challenge that may require targeted local strategies. These shifts underscore the importance of context-specific analysis, as national trends do not always align with local patterns. For residents, the reduction in violence and sexual offences is a positive development, though the rise in property-related crimes warrants continued vigilance.

Belper's December 2023 crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents represents an 11.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 3.9 per 1,000, indicating a downward trend in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 2 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, highlights the need for consistent monitoring. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 290 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, though no direct UK comparison figure is available for this metric. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Belper's crime rate is exceptionally low compared to the national context, with its total crime rate being 51.4% below the UK average. This stark contrast suggests that local factors—such as community policing initiatives, demographic composition, or economic conditions—play a crucial role in shaping Belper's crime profile. The previous month's rate of 3.9 per 1,000 further reinforces the idea that December's decline was part of a broader trend, though the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson complicates this narrative. For residents, the 1-in-290 monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime, though this is an aggregate measure and does not account for variations in individual risk. The comparison between Belper and the UK underscores the area's unique position within the national crime profile, with its lower rates in several categories suggesting a more secure environment for residents compared to the average UK location.