Kirkby-in-Ashfield Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 marked a notable increase in crime rates for Kirkby-in-Ashfield, with an overall rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents — 20.8% above the UK average of 7.7. This upward trend aligns with seasonal patterns, as the Easter period and spring weather typically bring increased outdoor activity and social interactions, which may contribute to higher levels of anti-social behaviour and property crime. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category, accounting for 28.3% of all crimes (52 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (36 cases) and shoplifting (24 cases). These figures suggest a shift in the crime profile towards more visible, community-focused offences, which may be influenced by the built-up area's compact nature and the presence of local retail hubs. The 20.8% gap between Kirkby-in-Ashfield's rate and the UK average is significant, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are 48% and 79% above national benchmarks, respectively. This divergence could reflect local factors such as the area's population density, the timing of Easter-related events, or the proximity to larger urban centres that draw transient populations. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown shows that certain types of crime, such as public order offences, are slightly below the UK average, indicating that not all categories follow the same trajectory. The seasonal context of April — with its Easter holidays and milder weather — likely plays a role in the increased frequency of crimes in public spaces, though the exact relationship between these factors and the data remains a subject for further analysis.

April 2024 saw a 400% increase in possession of weapons, rising from one to five incidents. This spike may reflect heightened tensions during the Easter holiday period or seasonal fluctuations in public gatherings. Burglary also surged by 180%, jumping from five to 14 cases, a trend that could be linked to increased indoor activity during spring evenings. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by two-thirds, dropping from three to one incident, due to reduced outdoor cycling during the Easter break. Anti-social behaviour remained 48% above the UK average, with 36 incidents reported. Shoplifting, at 24 cases, was 79% above the national average, likely driven by retail activity during the Easter season. Public order offences, however, were 6% below the UK average, suggesting a slight reduction in disturbances in public spaces compared to other areas.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield's crime rate rose 10.8% from March 2024 to April 2024, increasing from 8.4 to 9.3 per 1,000 residents. This shift positions the area 20.8% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that has widened slightly over the past year. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of six reported crimes per day in April, a figure that may feel more pronounced in a small built-up area where local incidents are more visible. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 107 residents, a monthly exposure rate that translates to a 1-in-107 chance of being directly affected by crime. This rate is higher than the UK average, though specific comparisons for daily figures are not available. The population context reveals that even with 19,749 residents, the concentrated nature of the built-up area may amplify the perceived impact of crime, particularly in communal spaces and high-traffic areas.