Harworth and Bircotes Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Harworth and Bircotes, a built-up area within Bassetlaw, recorded a crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents in September 2023, placing it 1.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This slight edge over the national picture contrasts with the area's generally low crime profile, which aligns with its character as a smaller, semi-rural community with limited urban density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.8% of all reported incidents—a figure 12% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 21.1% of total crimes, though this rate sits 27% above the national average. These patterns may be influenced by seasonal dynamics: September's return to school and university terms could heighten social interactions in local spaces, contributing to both violent incidents and anti-social conduct. Meanwhile, property crimes formed 33% of the total (19 out of 57), with burglary rates (0.6 per 1,000) 87% above the UK average. This discrepancy could reflect the area's mix of residential and commercial properties, which may offer more opportunities for property-related offences compared to more densely populated urban centres. The seasonal context of September—nights drawing in and the transition from summer to autumn—may also impact crime patterns, with reduced daylight hours affecting outdoor activity and visibility. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community resilience factors that warrant further exploration.

September 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with other theft surging by 100% (0 to 3 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by the same margin (1 to 2). Vehicle crime also increased by 50% (2 to 3), a shift that may be linked to changes in local traffic patterns or seasonal vehicle use. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 50% (4 to 2), and shoplifting decreased by 40% (5 to 3), though these reductions remain within the broader context of Harworth and Bircotes' generally low crime levels. Burglary rates in the area (0.6 per 1,000) were 87% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability in property crime prevention. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 27% above the national average, a figure that may reflect the area's community dynamics during the back-to-school period. For residents, the 100% increase in possession of weapons—a category that is 329% above the UK average—represents a particular concern, suggesting the need for targeted community engagement or policing strategies in this area.

The crime rate in Harworth and Bircotes rose by 9.6% from August 2023 (7.2 per 1,000) to September 2023 (7.9 per 1,000), marking the first increase in the series. This upward trend occurred despite the area's overall rate remaining below the UK average. On a daily basis, the community experienced roughly 2 crimes per day in September—a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than some rural areas, remains well below the national average for similar-sized communities. The population context is critical: with 7,226 residents, the area's small size means that each incident has a more pronounced impact on the local community. This increase from August could be attributed to the return of students and staff to local schools and colleges, which may have introduced new social dynamics. However, the daily crime count remains manageable for a community of this size, suggesting that local resources and policing efforts are generally effective in mitigating crime despite the seasonal fluctuations.