Somercotes and Swanwick Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Somercotes and Swanwick’s December 2024 crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 15.5% above the UK average, highlighting a significant divergence from national trends. This elevated rate is driven by a concentration of violent and property-related crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 38.6% of all recorded incidents—3.2 per 1,000 residents, 25% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also stands out, contributing 15.2% of total crimes (1.3 per 1,000) and surpassing the UK average by 38%. These patterns align with the area’s built-up nature within Amber Valley, where dense residential and commercial activity may intersect with seasonal factors such as the Christmas shopping peak and extended evening hours. December’s typical characteristics—darkness, holiday-related foot traffic, and the potential for empty homes during the festive period—may contribute to the rise in certain crime types. For instance, the sharp increase in vehicle crime (from one to nine incidents) could be partly explained by heightened car usage during the holiday season or vulnerabilities in local parking infrastructure. Conversely, shoplifting incidents in the area were 30% below the UK average, which may reflect effective retail security measures or the area’s smaller-scale commercial environment. The overall crime picture for the month illustrates a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the broader UK context, underscoring the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention.

December 2024 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime experiencing an 800% month-on-month increase, rising from one incident to nine. This surge, while unexplained by the data, may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased travel during the festive period or changes in vehicle security practices. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, jumping from zero to 20 incidents, a stark contrast to the previous month’s figures. This could indicate heightened tensions during the holiday season or the influence of empty homes during the Christmas break. Conversely, several categories showed notable declines, including drugs-related crimes, which fell by 71.4% (from seven to two incidents), and other crime, which dropped by 66.7% (from three to one). These reductions may reflect targeted interventions or changes in reporting patterns. The data also reveals that shoplifting in the area was 30% below the UK average, suggesting that local retail strategies or community policing efforts may be contributing to this trend.

The crime rate in Somercotes and Swanwick rose by 27.0% from 6.5 per 1,000 in the previous month to 8.2 per 1,000 in December 2024, marking the sharpest increase in the area’s recent monthly history. This shift is reflected in the daily crime count, which averaged approximately four crimes per day over the 31-day period. When viewed through the lens of population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 121 residents over the course of the month—a figure that underscores the density of incidents relative to the area’s size. While the overall rate is higher than the UK average, the local context reveals a distinct pattern: the area’s built-up character within Amber Valley, combined with seasonal factors such as extended evenings and holiday-related activity, may contribute to the elevated figures. The monthly exposure statistic, though not directly comparable to national data, provides a tangible measure of how frequently residents encounter crime in their daily lives. This figure is particularly relevant for local authorities and community groups seeking to address concerns about safety and allocate resources effectively.