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

For an area of Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s population size (19,749 residents), the 143 crimes recorded in February 2024 equate to a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 — 1.4% above the UK average. This figure, while modest, highlights a concentration of violent crimes (52 incidents, 36.4% of total) and anti-social behaviour (31 incidents, 21.7% of total), both of which exceed national averages. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — may contribute to the pattern, though the persistent presence of violent crime suggests deeper, year-round factors. The breakdown reveals a stark contrast between local and national trends: anti-social behaviour is 52% above the UK average, while public order offences are 18% below, possibly due to lower foot traffic in colder weather. Criminal damage and arson (16 incidents, 11.2% of total) also exceeded the UK average by 48%, a figure that may reflect local environmental or community-specific pressures. Meanwhile, shoplifting (11 incidents) was 11% above the UK average, linked to retail activity during early spring planning periods. The overall crime rate, though slightly above the national benchmark, remains within a range typical for built-up areas of similar size, with the most significant divergence seen in violent crime and anti-social behaviour. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in these categories, while the seasonal decline in certain offences offers a potential window for community-based prevention strategies.

February 2024 marked a sharp decline in vehicle crime, falling 76.9% from 13 to 3 incidents, likely reflecting reduced traffic during winter months or fewer public events. Other crime also dropped 50%, from 6 to 3, though this category remains 43% above the UK average. Burglary, down 50% from 8 to 4, contrasts with the 33% UK deficit in this category, suggesting local factors may influence property crime trends. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime at 31 incidents (21.7% of total), was 52% above the UK average — a stark divergence that may relate to the area’s community dynamics or seasonal stressors. Shoplifting rose 11% above the UK average (0.6 vs 0.5 per 1,000), linked to retail activity during pre-spring sales periods. Meanwhile, public order offences fell 18% below the UK average, due to lower foot traffic in colder weather.

February 2024 saw a 27.0% drop in Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s crime rate compared to January’s 9.9 per 1,000, bringing it to 7.2 per 1,000 — still 1.4% above the UK average. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and shorter evenings may limit opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 5 incidents per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 138 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while slightly higher than the UK’s average, remains within a range consistent with similar-sized built-up areas. The population context further illustrates this: with 19,749 residents, the 143 total crimes equate to a manageable scale, though the 52 violent crimes recorded highlight a persistent challenge in this area. The decrease in vehicle crime (-76.9%) and burglary (-50%) suggests potential seasonal factors, such as reduced travel or fewer outdoor events, but the sustained presence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage indicates ongoing community-specific issues that may require targeted local solutions.