Darton Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Darton’s overall crime rate in October 2023 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistent trend of lower-than-national crime levels. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.8% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000) by 26%. Anti-social behaviour and other theft followed, with the latter 19% below the UK average. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the start of term time in local schools, and Halloween—may partly explain fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, the spike in violence and sexual offences could align with increased social interactions during the month, while the drop in shoplifting (66% below UK average) may reflect reduced foot traffic compared to peak retail periods. Darton’s built-up area within Barnsley suggests a mix of residential and commercial activity, which likely influences crime patterns, with retail areas contributing to property crime trends. However, the relatively low overall rate compared to the UK highlights the area’s effectiveness in managing crime, though targeted interventions may still be needed for categories like violence and sexual offences, which remain elevated.

October 2023 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories, with burglary surging by 500% (from 1 to 6 incidents) and shoplifting more than doubling (from 1 to 3). These increases, though small in absolute terms, signal potential vulnerabilities in residential security or retail environments. Anti-social behaviour rose 112.5% (from 8 to 17), a sharp jump that could indicate seasonal pressures from school term changes or increased social activity during October. Conversely, public order offences fell 27.3% (from 11 to 8), possibly linked to reduced public gatherings as the month progressed. Criminal damage and arson also dropped 14.3% (from 7 to 6), though this remains close to the UK average. Violence and sexual offences—accounting for nearly half of all crimes—were 26% above the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community tensions or policing priorities may be influencing this trend. For residents, the spike in burglary highlights the need for heightened awareness of home security, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or unoccupied properties.

Compared to September 2023, when Darton’s crime rate was 4.5 per 1,000, the October figure rose by 64.3%, indicating a marked increase over the course of the month. This surge, while significant, still leaves Darton with a crime rate 7.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four crimes per day in October, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents. Over the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. With a population of 16,200, the 120 reported crimes represent a manageable volume relative to the size of the built-up area. However, the 64.3% increase from the previous month raises questions about underlying factors—whether temporary events, seasonal shifts, or changes in reporting behaviour contributed to the rise. The contrast between Darton’s overall rate and its performance in specific categories (such as violence and sexual offences) illustrates the complexity of local crime dynamics, where national averages may not fully capture area-specific trends.