Penistone Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 8,877, Penistone recorded 28 crimes in October 2023, equating to a crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 60.0% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 42.9% of all reported incidents (12 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.9%, 5 cases) and criminal damage and arson (10.7%, 3 cases). This distribution suggests a focus on interpersonal disputes and property-related issues, which may be influenced by seasonal factors such as darker evenings and the Halloween period. The area’s lower crime rate could be attributed to its character as a smaller built-up area within Barnsley, where community cohesion and local policing efforts may play a role in mitigating incidents. Violent crime rates in Penistone (1.4 per 1,000) are 48% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour (0.6 per 1,000) is 53% below the national figure (1.3 per 1,000). These discrepancies highlight the area’s distinct social and geographic context, which likely includes lower population density and fewer concentrated commercial or nightlife hubs compared to larger urban centres. The seasonal context of October—when clocks go back and evenings grow darker—may contribute to an uptick in certain offences, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than national benchmarks.

October 2023 saw notable shifts in Penistone’s crime profile. Burglary increased by 100.0% compared to September, rising from zero to three incidents—a spike that may reflect seasonal patterns such as colder weather prompting more indoor activity or increased home security checks. Violence and sexual offences also rose by 9.1% (from 11 to 12 cases), though this remains 48% below the UK average. Conversely, other theft and other crime both fell by 66.7%, with incidents dropping from three to one in each category. This decline could indicate improved community awareness or effective local interventions. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson both decreased, with the latter falling by 57.1% (from seven to three cases). These trends suggest a mixed picture: while property-related crimes like burglary are rising, offences tied to public disorder are declining. For residents, the 100% increase in burglary is a critical data point, as it highlights a specific vulnerability in the area during this period. The breakdown also shows that vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) is 62% below the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), due to fewer commercial vehicles or lower foot traffic in Penistone compared to more industrialised regions.

Penistone’s October 2023 crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents represents a 30.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.5 per 1,000, indicating a sustained decline in reported incidents. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly one crime per day across Penistone’s 31 days, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 317 residents—a ratio that, while not zero, suggests a relatively low level of exposure compared to larger urban areas. This monthly exposure rate is particularly noteworthy when considered alongside Penistone’s population size: for every 1,000 people, the area experiences fewer than four crimes annually, a stark contrast to the UK average of around 96 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. The drop in crime rate from September to October could be attributed to a combination of factors, including the end of school terms reducing youth-related incidents or increased community engagement during the Halloween season. However, the 100% increase in burglary remains a concern, as it suggests that certain vulnerabilities—such as unoccupied properties or targeted areas—may persist. The comparison with the UK average underscores Penistone’s position as a relatively safe area, though localised efforts to address the rise in burglary may be necessary to maintain this trend.