Penistone Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Penistone’s crime rate in January 2025 stood at 3.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 49.3% below the UK average of 7.1. This places the built-up area within Barnsley firmly in the lower quartile of national crime statistics, a position likely influenced by its relatively small population and limited commercial density. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (12 incidents, 37.5% of total), burglary (five incidents, 15.6%), and anti-social behaviour (four incidents, 12.5%). Violence and sexual offences were 44% below the UK average, while burglary—though rare locally—was 100% above the national rate. Seasonal factors, including the post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours, may partly explain the overall low crime levels, though the absence of major retail hubs or nightlife venues could also contribute to the subdued profile. The data also shows a stark contrast between Penistone’s property crime rates and the UK average: burglary was 100% above the national figure, while anti-social behaviour and shoplifting were 49% and 52% below, respectively. This discrepancy highlights the area’s unique characteristics, such as its reliance on smaller-scale businesses and residential communities, which may reduce opportunities for certain crimes while creating vulnerabilities in others. The low rate of vehicle crime—0.3 per 1,000, 27% below the UK average—further suggests that Penistone’s infrastructure and transport patterns differ from those of larger urban centres. As January is typically a quieter month with reduced retail footfall, the crime picture may reflect both the seasonal lull and the area’s inherent resilience to criminal activity.

January 2025 saw a 200% surge in shoplifting, rising from one to three incidents, a sharp increase that may reflect post-holiday retail activity or changes in local footfall. Concurrently, drug-related offences and theft from the person each doubled, though these remain rare compared to national averages. Burglary, at five incidents, was 100% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting a local vulnerability in property crime that contrasts with Penistone’s otherwise low rates. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by two-thirds, and public order offences halved, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as shorter days and reduced nightlife activity. The dominance of violent crimes—accounting for 37.5% of all incidents—was 44% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, a statistic that may reflect the area’s demographics or the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. These shifts illustrate the combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with Penistone’s crime picture shaped by its unique context.

Penistone’s crime rate in January 2025 rose by 18.4% from 3.0 to 3.6 per 1,000 residents compared to December 2024, though it remains significantly below the UK average of 7.1. Daily crime figures show one reported incident per day on average, a low frequency that aligns with the area’s smaller population and limited commercial activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 277 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime in this built-up area. While the increase from the previous month may reflect seasonal shifts, such as post-holiday fluctuations or changes in local activity patterns, the overall rate remains well below national levels. This suggests that Penistone’s crime profile is shaped by its geographic and demographic characteristics, which likely include a mix of residential and light industrial land use, as well as lower population density compared to larger urban centres. The daily crime count, though modest, serves as a reminder that even small increases in reported incidents can be meaningful in a tightly knit community.