Somercotes and Swanwick Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

June 2024 marked a combination of rising and falling crime trends in Somercotes and Swanwick, a built-up area within Amber Valley. The overall crime rate stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 14.6% above the UK average. This figure, while concerning, must be contextualised within the area’s character as a mixed-use locality with a blend of residential, retail, and community spaces. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 37.3% of all incidents—far exceeding the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This high rate may be influenced by factors such as increased social activity during the summer months or the area’s proximity to larger urban centres, which can drive both criminal opportunities and policing challenges. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed closely, contributing 20.7% and 10.7% of the total, respectively. These categories, which are 36% and 64% above UK averages, may reflect the area’s seasonal dynamics, as longer evenings and warmer weather often correlate with heightened public interactions and potential conflicts. The data also highlights a stark contrast in crime types: while violent crime remains elevated, property crimes like shoplifting saw a notable decrease, linked to improved retail security measures or changes in consumer behaviour during the early summer. This mixed picture underscores the need for targeted strategies that address both the persistent challenges of violent crime and the emerging patterns in property-related offences.

The most significant decrease in June was shoplifting, which dropped by 44.4% (from 9 to 5 incidents), suggesting a possible shift in retail crime patterns during the early summer. This decline may reflect increased foot traffic in local businesses or enhanced security measures. Conversely, burglary saw a 150% increase (from 4 to 10 incidents), indicating a sharp rise in property crimes that warrants further local scrutiny. The category of 'other crime' also fell by 60% (from 5 to 2), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced public events or temporary closures. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000—27% above the UK average—highlighting the need for targeted interventions in this area. Vehicle crime fell by 11% compared to the UK average, due to increased car ownership or improved parking security in residential zones.

June 2024 saw an 8.5% decrease in the crime rate compared to May, dropping from 10.2 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of summer months, when community engagement and outdoor activities may temporarily lower opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s population scale. This statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for individuals living or working in Somercotes and Swanwick, offering a perspective beyond raw numbers. The population context further highlights that, despite the 14.6% increase over the UK average, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low in absolute terms for a built-up area of this size. This comparison underscores the importance of localised analysis, as national averages can mask regional variations in crime patterns.