Penistone Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Penistone’s crime rate for January 2026 stood at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 60.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast to national figures underscores the area’s relatively low level of criminal activity, a trend that may be influenced by its status as a built-up area within Barnsley, where community cohesion and local policing could play a role. The most prevalent crime category was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 20.8% of all reported incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (16.7%) and vehicle crime (12.5%). These figures align with Penistone’s seasonal profile in January, a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which likely curtail opportunities for outdoor crimes. The area’s crime picture also reveals a marked divergence from the UK average in specific categories: anti-social behaviour was 35% below the national rate, while violence and sexual offences were 80% below. This suggests that local factors—such as the absence of high-density nightlife areas or tourist hotspots—may contribute to the lower incidence of violent crime. Meanwhile, vehicle crime, though lower than the UK average, remains a persistent concern, linked to the area’s commuter-oriented infrastructure or limited parking provisions. The overall crime rate, combined with the seasonal context of January, indicates a pattern of stability in Penistone, with crime levels consistently below the national benchmark despite the month’s typically challenging conditions for crime prevention.

January 2026 saw a 200% increase in public order offences, rising from one to three incidents, a stark contrast to the 80% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 20 to four. This shift highlights a potential realignment in crime patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced daylight hours and post-holiday dynamics. Drug-related crimes also doubled, with two incidents reported—marking a 100% increase from the previous month. This uptick, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect targeted policing efforts or changes in local illicit activity. Shoplifting decreased by 33.3% (from three to two incidents), aligning with the broader trend of property crimes remaining below the UK average. The area’s violent crime rate (0.5 per 1,000) was 80% lower than the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), a disparity that could be attributed to Penistone’s relatively low population density and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. For residents, the 80% drop in violent crimes offers a tangible reassurance of improved safety during the month.

Penistone's crime rate in January 2026 (2.7 per 1,000 residents) reflects a 36.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.3 per 1,000. This decline positions the area as significantly safer than the UK average, which stood at 6.8 per 1,000 for the same period. On a daily basis, Penistone recorded approximately one crime per day in January, a figure that, when scaled to the local population, translates to one reported crime for every 370 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to national benchmarks, though local factors—such as Penistone's smaller population and potentially lower foot traffic in certain areas—likely contribute to this disparity. The area’s crime profile remains distinct from the UK average, with categories like violence and sexual offences (80% below the UK rate) and anti-social behaviour (35% below the UK rate) showing marked differences. These variations may be linked to Penistone’s character as a built-up area within Barnsley, where community dynamics and local policing efforts could play a role in shaping crime trends.