Penistone Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Penistone

Penistone, a built-up area with a population of 8,877, boasts an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 49.0 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly lower than the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, clearly indicating that Penistone is a considerably safer area within the UK. The area's safety score is 88 out of 100, which is well above the UK average of 78/100, highlighting a very high level of safety for its residents. In terms of recent trends, Penistone has seen a year-over-year increase of 10.1% in its crime rate, suggesting a notable upward shift in local crime, despite its overall low rate. This overview provides a clear picture of Penistone's favourable crime statistics, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its specific crime patterns.

Crime Breakdown in Penistone

An examination of crime types in Penistone reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 159 incidents, or 36.5% of the total, at a rate of 17.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent, with 60 crimes (13.8% of total, 6.8 per 1,000), followed by public order offences, which saw 40 occurrences (9.2% of total, 4.5 per 1,000). These top three categories collectively form a significant portion of the criminal activity in the area.

Property-related crime, a key concern for residents and homeowners, includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. In Penistone, the property crime rate stands at 17.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 25 burglaries (2.8 per 1,000), 35 vehicle crimes (3.9 per 1,000), 29 other thefts (3.3 per 1,000), 2 robberies (0.2 per 1,000), and 1 theft from person (0.1 per 1,000). The significantly lower rates across these property crime categories, combined with a very low overall crime rate, indicate a relatively secure environment for residents and their possessions, though vigilance remains important.

Crime Trends in Penistone

Penistone has experienced an increasing trend in its overall crime rate, showing a year-over-year rise of 10.1%. This indicates a notable increase in crime levels over the past 12 months compared to the preceding period. Examining the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 5.0 in October 2024, saw a dip to 2.6 in February 2025, and then fluctuated between 2.9 and 8.0 in the subsequent months, ending at 3.3 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a generally consistent level of crime with some notable peaks, providing residents with a clear understanding of ongoing local crime dynamics and the overall upward trend.

Crime Time Patterns in Penistone

Crime patterns in Penistone show variations throughout the day. Mornings (6am-12pm) typically see a higher proportion of theft and vehicle crime, likely linked to residents leaving for work and commercial activity commencing. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), burglary becomes more pronounced, alongside continued theft, suggesting opportunism during daytime hours when properties may be unoccupied. Evening hours (6pm-12am) indicate a notable increase in "other" crimes, which can encompass a range of incidents, with vehicle crime also remaining a factor. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and burglary are key concerns, as properties and vehicles are more vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Understanding these patterns can help residents to implement targeted security measures at specific times.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

To provide a local context for crime in Penistone, it is helpful to compare its statistics with neighbouring built-up areas. Penistone has an overall crime rate of 49.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average. Comparing this to Thurlstone, Oxspring, Hoylandswaine, and Millhouse Green offers valuable insights. Each of these areas, while geographically close, will have its own demographic and socio-economic factors influencing crime. For instance, areas with more residential characteristics might see different crime patterns compared to those with more mixed-use or commercial zones. This comparison helps residents understand how the safety profile of Penistone relates to its immediate surroundings, assisting in decisions about local living and community involvement.

Protecting Your Property in Penistone

Despite Penistone's exceptionally low property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 people, which is well below the national average, ensuring robust home security remains a wise decision for residents. While the area is very safe, no community is entirely immune to property-related incidents. It is important to consider security solutions that go beyond merely recording a crime after it has occurred, such as traditional CCTV cameras, which primarily provide evidence rather than preventing the incident itself.

For truly effective protection, a proactive approach to home security is recommended. Advanced, AI-powered systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property's boundary. Utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS learns your routines and only alerts on genuine threats. Should an intruder be detected, autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers can swiftly deter them, destroying their element of surprise. This professional-grade deterrence encourages potential burglars, who often decide within 60 seconds, to bypass your property. Investing in such preventative measures offers enhanced peace of mind, even in a safer area like Penistone.