Belper Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 presented an unexpected shift in Belper's crime profile, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% and other theft doubling, despite an overall crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents—35% below the UK average. This contrast with the national benchmark underscores the area's unique dynamics, though the rise in specific categories raises questions about underlying factors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 45.6% of all crimes, a figure 11% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 16.5% of incidents, while public order offences—though 36% above the UK average—saw a 45.5% monthly increase. The seasonal context of October, with darker evenings and Halloween, may have influenced these patterns, particularly in public order and weapon-related incidents. However, the absence of significant month-on-month changes in overall crime rates suggests broader stability, albeit with notable variations in specific categories. Belper's low burglary and shoplifting rates, 71% and 48% below UK averages respectively, align with its status as a relatively quiet built-up area within Amber Valley. These figures, when considered alongside the area's population of 19,732, illustrate a community with generally low crime levels but with pockets of activity that warrant targeted attention.

October 2023 saw a 100% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one to two incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local criminal activity patterns. Concurrently, other theft cases doubled, moving from five to ten reports, a trend that may reflect heightened activity in retail or personal property crime. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 37.5%, declining from eight to five incidents, possibly linked to Halloween-related enforcement or seasonal retail strategies. Burglary also dropped by 33.3%, from three to two cases, suggesting continued effectiveness in property crime prevention. Public order offences rose by 45.5%, from 11 to 16, a category that may be influenced by Halloween events or increased social activity in public spaces. These shifts highlight a dynamic interplay between specific crime types and local conditions.

Belper's crime rate in October 2023 remained stable at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure from the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant short-term shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately three crimes reported each day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 19,732. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 192 residents, a metric that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the local population, Belper's crime profile demonstrates a marked contrast to the UK average, with violent crimes occurring at a rate 11% below the national benchmark. This population-scaled perspective underscores the area's position as a safer-than-average locality, though localised fluctuations in specific categories warrant closer attention.