Chesterfield Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chesterfield's December 2023 crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents places it 26.4% above the UK average, a stark reminder of the area's elevated risk profile. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (400 cases, 41.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (138 cases, 14.3%) and public order offences (101 cases, 10.5%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of a mid-sized urban centre during the holiday season, where dark evenings, increased foot traffic in retail areas, and the presence of temporary residents may contribute to heightened tensions. The surge in violence and sexual offences—3.8 per 1,000 residents—far exceeds the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a disparity that may be linked to the town's mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where social services and policing resources are stretched during peak demand. Anti-social behaviour, which was 40% above the UK average, likely reflects the pressures of holiday gatherings and the closure of some community spaces during winter. Public order offences, 108% above the UK average, may be influenced by the influx of visitors to Chesterfield's historic sites and shopping districts, combined with the challenges of enforcing public safety in colder weather. The data also reveals a combination of local factors, such as the town's proximity to major transport routes and its role as a regional hub, which may drive both property and violent crime rates. While the overall rate remains concerning, it is important to contextualise these figures within Chesterfield's unique demographic and geographic profile, which includes a significant student population and a mix of commercial and residential zones.

December 2023 saw a 120% surge in theft from the person, rising from 5 to 11 cases—a sharp contrast to the 62.1% drop in drug-related crimes, which fell from 29 to 11. This divergence highlights shifting patterns, with personal safety concerns rising alongside a decline in illicit substance-related incidents. The violent crime category, accounting for 41.5% of all reported crimes, remained 45% above the UK average, with 3.8 per 1,000 residents affected. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also exceeded UK averages by 40% and 108% respectively, suggesting that social tensions and disorderly conduct were particularly pronounced. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 63.6% (from 22 to 36 cases), a rise that may reflect seasonal factors such as empty homes during the holiday period. The 50% increase in possession of weapons—now 12 cases compared to 8 in November—adds another layer of concern, though this remains a relatively small subset of overall crime.

Chesterfield's crime rate in December 2023 rose to 9.1 per 1,000 residents, a 5.9% increase from the previous month's 8.6. This translates to 31 crimes reported daily, or one crime for every 110 residents over the course of the month. While the overall rate remains 26.4% above the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals local patterns. For instance, 41.5% of all crimes were violence and sexual offences, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The daily crime count highlights the persistent nature of incidents, with no single day in December showing an unusually high spike. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while the rate is elevated, it remains a localised issue rather than an isolated spike. Residents may find the 120% increase in theft from the person—now 11 cases compared to 5 in November—particularly relevant, as it suggests heightened vulnerability during holiday periods. The monthly exposure metric, however, provides context: for every resident, the chance of being directly affected by crime in December was approximately 0.9%, a figure that, while non-trivial, does not equate to daily risk.