Penistone Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw a stark contrast in Penistone’s crime profile, with shoplifting surging unexpectedly to 1 reported incident—a 100% increase from October—while other categories fell sharply. This anomaly stands out against a backdrop of historically low crime rates, with the area’s overall rate of 2.9 crimes per 1,000 residents remaining 61.8% below the UK average of 7.6. The most frequent crimes were violence and sexual offences (11 incidents, 42.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (5 incidents, 19.2%) and burglary (3 incidents, 11.5%). These figures align with Penistone’s character as a small built-up area within Barnsley, where community policing and lower population density likely contribute to the consistently low crime environment. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping may have influenced patterns, though the spike in shoplifting is harder to explain given the area’s limited retail presence compared to larger urban centres. Violent crime, while lower than the UK average, remains a priority for local authorities, with rates for violence and sexual offences 53% below national levels. The data suggests a balance between proactive community engagement and the challenges of addressing isolated incidents in a tightly knit area.

November’s crime trends reveal a mix of sharp shifts and consistent performance. Shoplifting rose by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident), an outlier in a month where most categories fell. Vehicle crime, for example, dropped 83.3% (from 6 to 1 incident), possibly linked to shorter daylight hours deterring thefts in residential areas. Public order offences also fell 75% (from 4 to 1), a reduction consistent with the quieter pace of November compared to summer months. Violent crime, however, remained the most common category, with rates for violence and sexual offences 53% below the UK average. This contrast highlights Penistone’s unique dynamics: while violent crime is relatively rare, the area’s small size and proximity to Barnsley’s urban core may contribute to occasional spikes in specific offences. For residents, the 100% increase in shoplifting—though only one incident—serves as a reminder that even low-crime areas can experience unusual patterns. The drop in vehicle crime, meanwhile, aligns with seasonal trends, as colder weather and reduced outdoor activity likely reduce opportunities for such offences.

Penistone’s crime rate in November 2024 (2.9 per 1,000 residents) marked a 40.9% decrease from October’s 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. This improvement places the area well below the UK average, with a 61.8% gap that underscores its status as one of the safest built-up areas in the region. On a daily basis, 1 crime was reported across 30 days, translating to roughly 1 crime per day—a figure that, while low, is a tangible indicator for residents. Monthly exposure further illustrates the scale: over November, 1 reported crime occurred for every 341 residents, a statistic that contextualises the rarity of incidents in this community. When compared to the UK average, Penistone’s performance is striking: violent crime rates are 53% below national levels, and anti-social behaviour is 46% below. These disparities suggest a combination of effective local policing, strong community ties, and the area’s relatively low population density. While the 100% increase in shoplifting is an anomaly, the broader trend of declining crime reinforces the idea that Penistone’s built-up area functions as a microcosm of a larger urban centre, where targeted interventions and community engagement may play a critical role in maintaining safety.