Bolton upon Dearne Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Bolton upon Dearne recorded 45 crimes across a population of 7,699, translating to a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 19.4% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a consistent trend for this built-up area within Barnsley. The most significant category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 48.9% of all reported crimes (22 incidents), a rate of 2.9 per 1,000. This is 11% above the UK average for this category, suggesting a localised challenge in addressing violent crime. Public order and anti-social behaviour each contributed 11.1% of the total (five incidents), with public order offences 46% above the UK average. Vehicle crime, though relatively low in volume (five incidents), was 56% above the UK average, possibly influenced by the Christmas shopping peak and increased traffic. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, holiday-related activities, and the potential for increased social tensions—may partly explain the higher rate of violent and public order offences. However, the overall lower crime rate compared to the UK suggests effective local measures or a distinct demographic profile. The area’s crime picture contrasts with the national average, where property crimes often dominate, but here, violent crime remains the primary concern. This highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with higher-than-average violent crime rates, even within a broader context of lower overall crime levels.

December 2023 marked a sharp increase in vehicle crime, which surged by 400% from one incident to five. This spike may be linked to the Christmas shopping peak, with more vehicles on the roads and potential opportunities for theft. Concurrently, drug-related offences doubled from one to two, and possession of weapons rose from zero to one, suggesting possible shifts in local activity or enforcement focus. In contrast, criminal damage and arson fell by 70%, likely due to fewer public events and holiday-related disruptions in the area. Burglary also dropped by two-thirds, potentially reflecting the emptying of homes during the festive season. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, comprising 48.9% of all crimes and 11% above the UK average. This highlights a distinct challenge for local authorities, as the area’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average despite the overall lower crime rate. The drop in public order offences by 54.5% and anti-social behaviour by 54.5% may indicate reduced social gatherings or increased community efforts during the holiday period.

Bolton upon Dearne's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 5.8 per 1,000 residents, a 23.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern seen in smaller built-up areas, where crime rates often dip during the winter holidays due to reduced foot traffic and social gatherings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 171 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a rate that, while low, reflects the area’s relatively small population. When compared to the UK average, Bolton upon Dearne’s overall crime rate remains 19.4% below the national figure, suggesting a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in this part of Barnsley. However, this does not fully capture the nuanced differences in specific crime categories, which are explored in the highlights section.