Somercotes and Swanwick Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Somercotes and Swanwick’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.4% above the UK average of 7.2. This slight edge over the national figure is particularly notable given the area’s status as a built-up zone within Amber Valley, a rural part of Derbyshire. The crime profile was dominated by violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 57.3% of all reported incidents—60% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, though the latter was 46% above the UK rate. These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of December: Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the absence of some residents during the holiday period may have contributed to increased tensions and opportunities for crime. The relatively low rates of property crimes, such as shoplifting (80% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below), suggest that local retail and transport infrastructure may be less prone to such incidents, due to the area’s smaller scale and community-oriented character. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft and other crime highlights the need for vigilance in specific areas. While the overall rate remains modest, the concentration of violent crime above the UK average warrants attention, especially as the area’s demographic and geographic context—characterised by a mix of residential and rural settings—may influence local dynamics. The data also indicates that, despite the slight increase, the area’s crime rate remains within a range that is not drastically different from other comparable communities, though targeted interventions could help address the disparity in violent crime.

December 2023 saw a stark shift in crime patterns, with bicycle theft and other crime both surging by 100% compared to November. This spike, while small in absolute terms, underscores a potential vulnerability in local security measures or increased activity during the festive season. Conversely, other theft and drug-related crimes fell by 50% and 40% respectively, indicating possible success in recent enforcement efforts or reduced opportunities during the month. The crime mix also shifted dramatically: violent crimes accounted for 57.3% of all incidents, far outpacing property crimes (12.8% for anti-social behaviour and 9.4% for public order). This imbalance—violent crime rates 60% above the UK average—raises questions about local factors, such as the impact of dark evenings or holiday-related tensions. Anti-social behaviour remained in line with the UK average, suggesting that community-focused initiatives may be mitigating some aspects of disorder.

Somercotes and Swanwick's crime rate in December 2023 rose 8.3% from the previous month, climbing to 7.3 per 1,000 residents from 6.7 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, places the area slightly above the UK average for the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly four reported crimes per day—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, reflects the local context of a built-up area within Amber Valley. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when considered alongside the area’s population of 16,028, illustrates the scale of incidents relative to the community. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that, despite the slight rise, the area remains within a range typical for similar-sized communities in the UK, though the violent crime rate—60% above the UK average—suggests a need for targeted local strategies.