December 2024 saw a dramatic shift in Brighouse’s crime profile, with drug-related offences surging by 150% compared to November, marking the most unexpected movement in the area’s crime trends. While the overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents places Brighouse 2.8% above the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals a stark contrast to previous months. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.2% of all crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 residents (29% above). This concentration of violent crime is consistent with patterns observed in areas with high retail presence and mixed-use developments. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also stood out, with the latter exceeding the UK average by 33%. These trends may partly reflect the seasonal context of December, when empty homes and reduced foot traffic during holidays could create opportunities for disorder. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 55%, likely linked to reduced retail activity during the Christmas period and increased police visibility in high streets. The area’s crime picture thus illustrates a combination of seasonal factors and persistent local challenges, with violent crime remaining a focal concern.