Cudworth and Shafton Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Cudworth and Shafton for May 2024 reveals a distinct balance of offence types that suggests shifting patterns in community activity and local dynamics. With a total crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, the area is 11.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national trend. The most prevalent crime types are violence and sexual offences (32.6% of total crimes), followed closely by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, each accounting for 14.1% of all reported incidents. This mix of violent and property-related crimes suggests a combination of local social interactions and retail activity. The rate of violence and sexual offences is 15% below the UK average, potentially reflecting community initiatives or demographic factors that may contribute to lower levels of interpersonal violence. However, shoplifting has surged to 72% above the UK average, with 13 incidents recorded—a stark contrast to the national trend and an indicator of possible pressures on local retail environments or seasonal influences. The presence of anti-social behaviour at 24% below the UK average may suggest effective community policing or lower population density. May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely influenced outdoor socialising, which may have contributed to the higher proportion of public order offences and anti-social behaviour. These patterns align with the seasonal rhythm of a built-up area within Barnsley, where retail activity and community engagement may fluctuate in response to local and national events.

May 2024 saw dramatic month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 550% (from 2 to 13 incidents) and other theft increasing by 300% (from 1 to 4). These sharp rises contrast with the 50% decrease in burglary (from 4 to 2) and the 30.2% drop in violence and sexual offences (from 43 to 30). The shift in crime mix is striking: while violent crime decreased, property-related offences such as shoplifting and other thefts rose sharply, indicating a possible reallocation of criminal activity towards retail spaces or unsecured property. The shoplifting rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents is 72% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlighting a localised challenge that may require targeted interventions. Conversely, violence and sexual offences remain significantly below the UK average, with a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.8 per 1,000. This divergence could reflect effective community policing or demographic factors, such as a lower proportion of high-risk populations in the area. For residents, the surge in shoplifting is a tangible concern, as local businesses may face increased pressure to bolster security measures. The sharp decline in violence, however, offers a positive note, though it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue into subsequent months.

Compared to April 2024, the crime rate in Cudworth and Shafton fell by 5.1%, from 7.8 per 1,000 to 7.4 per 1,000 residents. This monthly reduction, while modest, suggests a stabilising trend in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 3 crimes per day in May, a manageable frequency that may indicate effective policing or community engagement strategies. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 135 residents—a figure that provides context for the likelihood of encountering crime in the area. When scaled to the population of 12,389 residents, this monthly exposure rate underscores the relative safety of Cudworth and Shafton compared to larger urban centres. The 11.9% gap between the local rate and the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000 further reinforces this comparative advantage, though the spike in shoplifting and other thefts complicates the picture. Residents may find the monthly exposure rate particularly useful when assessing their personal risk: for a family of four, the probability of experiencing a crime during May would be approximately 1 in 540. While this is a low figure, the specific categories of crime—particularly the sharp rise in shoplifting—suggest that targeted awareness campaigns could be beneficial for local businesses and residents alike. The comparison to the previous month and the UK average highlights both progress and areas for continued focus in maintaining this relatively low crime environment.