Dodworth Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Dodworth in December 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property offences, shaped by seasonal dynamics and local patterns. With an overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents—19.4% below the UK average of 7.2—the area maintains a relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. The distribution of crime types highlights a significant concentration in violent and sexual offences (37.1% of total crimes), followed by burglary (22.9%) and vehicle crime (20.0%). This mix contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate, suggesting a unique local context. The prominence of violence may reflect the impact of the Christmas party season and dark winter evenings, which can increase opportunities for such offences. However, the area also shows marked differences from the UK average in specific categories: burglary rates are 271% above the national average, while violence rates are 16% below. These discrepancies could stem from local factors such as the presence of commercial properties vulnerable to burglary or the relatively low incidence of violent incidents in public spaces. The low rates of public order offences (38% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (78% below) further indicate a community where public disorder is less prevalent. Seasonal context plays a role, with December's Christmas shopping peak likely influencing vehicle crime rates. The data underscores a combination of local demographics, economic activity, and seasonal rhythms that shape Dodworth's crime profile distinct from broader UK trends.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in burglary (+700%) and vehicle crime (+133%), suggesting a shift in criminal activity patterns. These jumps, from 1 to 8 burglaries and 3 to 7 vehicle crimes, contrast with declines in criminal damage and arson (-66.7%) and anti-social behaviour (-50%). The burglary spike, which is 271% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), may reflect increased home occupancy during the festive season or targeted opportunities in commercial areas. Meanwhile, the 16% below UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.2 per 1,000) could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives. The 20.0% share of vehicle crime—a category 167% above the UK average—may correlate with local infrastructure, such as car parks or transport hubs. Residents should be aware that while overall crime rates remain stable compared to November (0.0% change), the sharp rise in burglary warrants vigilance, particularly in areas with high-value properties or unsecured premises. The data also shows a 59% deficit in shoplifting compared to the UK average, due to fewer retail outlets or effective security measures in Dodworth's commercial zones.

Dodworth's crime rate in December 2023 (5.8 per 1,000) matched its November figure exactly, indicating no month-on-month shift in overall safety. This stability, however, masks significant variations within specific crime categories. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that places Dodworth among the lower end of UK urban areas in terms of daily incident frequency. When scaled to the population of 6,012 residents, the monthly exposure equates to one reported crime for every 172 residents—an indicator that suggests most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly. This monthly aggregate, while seemingly low, must be contextualised against the area's unique crime distribution: while violent offences are 16% below the UK average, burglary rates are 271% above, indicating a disparity in risk factors across different offence types. The comparison to the UK average also highlights that Dodworth's property crime focus (42.9% of total crimes) diverges from the national trend, where property crimes typically account for 60-70% of all incidents. This difference may reflect local economic conditions or policing priorities. For residents, the 1-in-172 monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of risk, though the sharp rise in burglary rates underscores the need for targeted awareness in specific areas.