Bolton upon Dearne Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bolton upon Dearne recorded a crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 in May 2023, placing it 26.2% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This marks a significant divergence from national trends, with local crime patterns shaped by the area’s character as a post-industrial town within Barnsley’s urban fabric. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (41.0% of total), vehicle crime (15.4%), and public order offences (14.1%). These figures align with the seasonal rhythm of May, which sees extended evenings and increased outdoor socialising, likely contributing to higher reports of public order and violent incidents. The area’s historical industrial legacy may also play a role in vehicle crime, as older infrastructure and commercial zones could create opportunities for theft. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained below the UK average, suggesting community efforts or local policing strategies may be yielding some success. However, the stark contrast between Bolton upon Dearne’s rates and the national average underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the sharp rise in property-related crimes. This data paints a complex picture of a community grappling with both persistent and emerging challenges, requiring a nuanced approach to crime prevention.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in May 2023 was a 200% increase in burglary, rising from 2 to 6 cases. This surge, coupled with a 140% jump in vehicle crime (from 5 to 12) and a 125% rise in anti-social behaviour (from 4 to 9), signals a troubling shift in the area’s crime profile. Violent crimes, already high at 4.2 per 1,000 (51% above the UK average), remain the most pressing concern. Vehicle crime in Bolton upon Dearne is 256% above the UK average, a stark figure that may reflect the town’s reliance on older transport infrastructure or gaps in vehicle security measures. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 50% compared to April, though this category still lags below the UK average by 35%. For residents, the most immediate insight is the sharp rise in burglary, which may indicate increased vulnerability in domestic properties during the spring season. This could be linked to warmer weather encouraging outdoor activity, or to targeted criminal behaviour exploiting transitional periods. The data also highlights a paradox: while anti-social behaviour rose sharply, other categories like drug-related offences and bicycle theft remained below the UK average, suggesting uneven crime dynamics. These findings demand a focused response, particularly to address the sudden surge in property crimes and the persistent overrepresentation of violent incidents.

Bolton upon Dearne’s crime rate in May 2023 (10.1 per 1,000) marked a 66.1% increase from April’s 6.1 per 1,000, a dramatic rise that outpaces many comparable areas. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 3 crimes per day in May, translating to a local monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 99 residents. This figure, while seemingly low in absolute terms, underscores the cumulative impact of sustained criminal activity over time. When placed in the context of the area’s population of 7,699, the monthly exposure rate highlights how frequently residents encounter crime in their daily lives. The previous month’s rate of 6.1 per 1,000 suggests that the surge in May was not merely a statistical fluctuation but a significant escalation. This could reflect seasonal factors, such as the increased socialising during longer evenings, or the emergence of new criminal networks. The comparison to the UK average further sharpens the urgency: with rates 26.2% higher than the national benchmark, Bolton upon Dearne’s residents face a elevated risk of encountering crime. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crimes and vehicle theft, which are concentrated in the area. For local authorities, these figures underscore the need for immediate action to address the root causes of this escalation, particularly in light of the stark contrast between the town’s crime profile and the broader UK trend.