Rugeley Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 26,748, Rugeley recorded 152 crimes in October 2023, translating to 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 28.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest crime rates in the region. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences, which made up 50% of the total, followed by other theft (9.2%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). This stark contrast to the UK average highlights a unique local dynamic, where violent crime dominates the profile despite overall low rates. Seasonal factors may play a role: October’s darker evenings and Halloween could contribute to increased visibility of violent incidents, particularly in public spaces. The area’s character as a built-up part of the rural Cannock Chase may also influence crime patterns, with limited nightlife and fewer commercial hubs reducing opportunities for theft or public order offences. The rate of violence in Rugeley (2.8 per 1,000) is 4% above the UK average for this category, suggesting local factors such as community tensions or specific incident clusters may be at play. However, the absence of significant property crime compared to the UK average indicates a lower risk of burglary or vehicle crime, which may reflect the area’s quieter, more residential nature.

October saw a 400% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one to five incidents—a sharp spike that could signal shifts in local activity or enforcement patterns. Theft from the person and robbery each doubled, with one incident each, raising concerns about personal safety in public areas. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 75%, from 12 to 3, potentially linked to seasonal changes or reduced foot traffic during Halloween. Vehicle crime also fell by 50%, from two to one, though this remains below the UK average. The breakdown shows a marked imbalance in crime types: violent offences (50% of total) far outweigh property crimes (25% combined), a trend consistent with Rugeley’s lower population density and limited commercial zones. Anti-social behaviour is 77% below the UK average, suggesting effective community management or fewer opportunities for such incidents. This contrast with the UK profile underscores the area’s unique character, where violent crime is more prevalent than in many other regions, due to concentrated social dynamics or local policing strategies.

Rugeley’s crime rate in October 2023 (5.7 per 1,000) was marginally lower than the previous month’s rate of 5.8, reflecting a stable trend with a -1.9% decrease. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly five crimes per day—a figure that, while low, remains a tangible presence for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 176 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Rugeley among the safest areas in the UK. With a population of 26,748, this means that even small fluctuations in crime numbers have a measurable impact on the local community. The comparison to the UK average highlights Rugeley’s distinct profile: while violent crime is 4% above the national rate, property crimes are consistently below average, particularly for categories like shoplifting (48% below) and anti-social behaviour (77% below). This suggests that the area’s low population density and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for property-related offences, but also create conditions where violent incidents are more concentrated. For residents, this means a lower likelihood of burglary or vehicle crime, but a higher need for awareness around personal safety in public spaces.