Wombwell Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wombwell’s crime rate in March 2024 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.7% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a combination of local dynamics, with violence and sexual offences dominating the crime profile. These incidents, which accounted for 44.1% of total crimes, occurred at a rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents—42% above the UK average. The prominence of violent crime in Wombwell, a built-up area within Barnsley, may be linked to its socio-economic profile and the density of its population. Criminal damage and arson also featured prominently, with 18 incidents reported, a rate 90% above the UK average. This category, which includes vandalism and arson, could be influenced by the area’s industrial heritage and the presence of older infrastructure. Vehicle crime, at 11 incidents, was 49% above the UK average, tied to the area’s transport networks and commuter activity. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to spring and the lengthening of evenings, may have contributed to these patterns by increasing opportunities for certain types of crime. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour, though still a concern, fell to a rate 48% below the UK average, indicating effective community interventions or a shift in local priorities. These findings illustrate a community grappling with persistent violent crime while managing other categories more effectively than the national average. The seasonal context of March—marked by the end of winter and the beginning of spring—may have played a role in shaping these trends, as longer daylight hours and changing weather patterns influence both criminal activity and community engagement.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in March 2024 was a 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, suggests a shift in local patterns that may relate to the transition into spring and longer evenings. Concurrently, 'other crime' saw a 166.7% jump, moving from 3 to 8 cases, a category that includes a range of non-specific but potentially impactful offences. In contrast, burglary fell by 53.8%, dropping from 13 to 6, reflecting seasonal changes in residential activity or increased community engagement. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.1% of total crimes, a rate 42% above the UK average. This disparity highlights Wombwell’s unique challenges, with violent crime contributing significantly to the area’s elevated rate. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting underscores the need for vigilance in retail areas during the evenings, a time when foot traffic may increase with the lengthening daylight.

Wombwell's crime rate in March 2024 rose to 8.6 per 1,000 residents, marking an 18.2% increase from the previous month’s rate of 7.3. This shift raises the local monthly exposure to 1 reported crime for every 116 residents, a figure that underscores the density of incidents relative to the area’s population of 15,732. Daily crime statistics reveal a consistent rhythm: 4 crimes reported each day in March, a number that, while steady, sits above the UK average when scaled to population size. This increase contrasts with the previous month’s figures, suggesting a potential acceleration in local crime dynamics. The daily rate, while not unusual for a built-up area, highlights the need for vigilance during peak hours, particularly in spaces like the town centre where retail activity may influence patterns. The population-scaled perspective also shows that Wombwell’s rate remains 11.7% above the UK average, a gap that, while not insurmountable, points to localized factors that may require targeted attention.