Darfield Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Darfield's crime rate in October 2024 reached 9.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the previous month's 11.1 per 1,000, still reflects a persistent challenge for a built-up area within Barnsley. The most prevalent crimes were anti-social behaviour (37.5% of all incidents), violence and sexual offences (25.0%), and other theft (8.3%). These patterns align with the characteristics of a small urban centre, where community interactions and public spaces may contribute to anti-social conduct. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the transition from summer to autumn, and Halloween—could influence crime patterns, with increased incidents of anti-social behaviour linked to reduced visibility and heightened social gatherings. However, the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as population density, socioeconomic conditions, or policing strategies may play a role. Violence and sexual offences, though contributing 25% of total crimes, were 10% below the UK average, which may indicate effective local interventions or a lower prevalence of such crimes in this area. The dominance of anti-social behaviour, which is 179% above the UK average, highlights a specific area for targeted action, as this category often reflects broader community tensions and can escalate into more serious offences if left unaddressed. The seasonal context may also explain the higher incidence of anti-social behaviour, as shorter days and colder weather can impact social dynamics and community cohesion.

October 2024 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with anti-social behaviour dominating at 37.5% of all incidents, far exceeding the UK average by 179%. This category alone contributed to 27 recorded crimes, a figure that may be linked to the seasonal transition and darker evenings. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50% from September, reflecting a sharp decline from 6 to 3 incidents. This reduction could be attributed to changes in local traffic patterns or increased security measures around car parks. Burglary and possession of weapons both doubled from zero to two incidents, marking a concerning upward trend in these categories. These increases, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging issues that warrant closer attention. The UK average for possession of weapons was 0.1 per 1,000, yet Darfield's rate was 329% above this figure, highlighting a stark local discrepancy. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes fell by 50%, aligning with a broader UK trend but remaining a minor concern in the area.

Darfield's crime rate in October 2024 fell by 13.2% compared to September's 11.1 per 1,000, marking a downward trend despite remaining 18.5% above the UK average. This shift contrasts with the previous month's trajectory, where the rate had risen sharply. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 2 crimes reported per day in October, a figure that, while locally relevant, cannot be directly compared to UK-wide daily metrics. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 104 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a compact built-up area. This rate is higher than the UK average when considering the population context, as Darfield's smaller size amplifies the impact of each reported incident. The drop from September may reflect seasonal factors, such as the transition from summer to autumn, which could influence patterns of public activity and policing visibility. However, the continued elevation above the UK average suggests persistent local challenges in crime prevention, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of anti-social behaviour.