Cudworth and Shafton Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 12,389 residents, 73 crimes were recorded in January 2024 — a rate of 5.9 per 1,000 people. This figure places Cudworth and Shafton 20.3% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively safer profile compared to the national context. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, contributing 34.3% of the total (25 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (12 cases, 16.4%) and criminal damage and arson (6 cases, 8.2%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up district within Barnsley, where community-focused policing and lower retail footfall during January’s post-holiday period may partly explain the subdued crime levels. Seasonal factors, including shorter daylight hours and reduced outdoor activity, likely contribute to the lower volume of property crimes typically associated with colder months. The absence of major tourist infrastructure or university campuses suggests that local dynamics — such as established community networks and limited high-traffic commercial zones — play a role in sustaining this relatively low crime rate compared to more densely populated or transient urban areas.

January 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Other crime and possession of weapons both surged by 200%, rising from 1 to 3 incidents each — a sharp increase that may signal heightened tensions or unaddressed local issues. Public order offences also rose by 150%, from 2 to 5 cases, though this remains a small proportion of the total. Conversely, shoplifting and other theft dropped by 80% and 66.7% respectively, likely tied to reduced retail activity during the post-holiday period. Violent crimes, while still the most frequent category, were 23% below the UK average (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), highlighting a notable strength in local safety measures. However, burglary in the area was 39% above the UK average (0.5 vs 0.4 per 1,000), suggesting vulnerabilities in domestic security or targeted opportunities. Residents may find the 200% increase in possession of weapons particularly concerning, as this category was 186% above the UK average (0.2 vs 0.1 per 1,000), indicating a potential focus for community engagement efforts.

The crime rate in January 2024 (5.9 per 1,000) represented a 3.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.1, indicating a modest but consistent decline. Translating this to daily context, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for sustained vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 170 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains below the UK average for most comparable built-up areas. With a population of 12,389, the 73 recorded crimes equate to a crime-to-resident ratio that is both manageable and reflective of the area’s lower overall risk profile. However, the 39% above-average burglary rate and 186% above-average weapons possession rate highlight pockets of vulnerability that may require targeted interventions. These figures suggest that while Cudworth and Shafton maintains a broadly safer environment than the UK average, specific crime types demand closer attention to prevent escalation.