Penistone Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Penistone's June 2024 crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 52.4% deficit compared to the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile than national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.4 per 1,000 (34.3% of total crimes), were 49% below the UK average, suggesting a deliberate divergence from broader patterns of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category (28.6% of total), was 21% below the UK average, aligning with Penistone's character as a small built-up area with limited nightlife or high-density residential zones. The seasonal context of June—longer daylight hours and the start of summer—may have influenced crime dynamics, though the absence of major tourist attractions or seasonal events in Penistone means the impact of summer rhythms is less pronounced than in coastal or rural areas. Property crimes, which accounted for only 22.9% of total offences (8 out of 35), were lower than the UK average, consistent with Penistone's compact, residential layout and minimal retail or commercial activity that might otherwise drive theft. The overall crime profile indicates a community where social cohesion and low economic deprivation likely contribute to sustained low crime rates, though the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests targeted interventions could further reduce these specific categories.

June 2024 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+300%) and anti-social behaviour (+233%), both of which surged from previous month levels. This spike in anti-social behaviour—now accounting for 28.6% of total crimes—was accompanied by a 100% rise in shoplifting, though the latter remained 84% below the UK average. Conversely, other theft and vehicle crime both declined by 50% and 33.3%, respectively, potentially reflecting heightened awareness or reduced opportunities during the summer months. The most striking divergence from the UK average was in violence and sexual offences, which were 49% below the national rate despite comprising the largest single category (34.3% of total crimes). This suggests that while Penistone experiences a proportionally higher share of violent crime than the UK average, the absolute rate remains markedly lower. For residents, the 100% increase in shoplifting, though still a rare occurrence (0.1 per 1,000), underscores the need for vigilance in retail areas, even in low-crime environments.

Penistone's crime rate remained stable in June 2024 compared to the previous month (3.9 per 1,000, 0.0% change), indicating no significant seasonal or situational shifts. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of one crime per day, a figure that, while low, highlights the sporadic nature of criminal activity in this small built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 254 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to UK averages and underscores Penistone's overall safety profile. With a population of 8,877, the 35 total crimes recorded in June represent a manageable burden for local policing resources, though the increase in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage may require targeted community engagement. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Penistone's residents face a crime risk significantly below the national average, with the 52.4% deficit in the overall rate being a consistent feature across multiple crime categories. This suggests that structural factors—such as the town's compact size, limited commercial activity, and stable social fabric—continue to play a critical role in maintaining its low crime environment.