Brandon (County Durham) Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a significant shift in Brandon’s crime profile, with the overall rate of 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents placing the area 22.5% below the UK average. This figure, though modest, reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and criminal damage and arson (11.9%). The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, holiday shopping, and empty homes—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the drop in violence and sexual offences may be attributed to the subdued atmosphere of the festive season. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage saw rates above the UK average, suggesting that the built-up nature of the area, combined with the potential for increased social gatherings, may contribute to these trends. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.6) could indicate effective retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the holidays. However, the stark contrast in burglary rates—94% above the UK average—points to a persistent vulnerability in the area, linked to the presence of unoccupied properties during the festive season. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address property crime while capitalising on the seasonal factors that have contributed to the overall decline in violent offences.

The most striking shift in December 2024 was the 43.9% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 41 to 23 incidents. This dramatic drop may partly explain the overall reduction in crime. Conversely, shoplifting saw a 66.7% decline, from three to one incident, potentially linked to the holiday season’s quieter retail environment. Other theft and public order offences both increased by 33.3%, reflecting a combination of factors such as seasonal gatherings and reduced enforcement during festive closures. Burglary in Brandon remains 94% above the UK average, with six incidents reported in December compared to the national rate of 0.3 per 1,000. This disparity highlights the area’s vulnerability to property crime, which may be influenced by the built-up nature of the area and the presence of homes that are unoccupied during the holidays. Residents may find the 22.5% gap between Brandon’s crime rate and the UK average a reassuring indicator of local safety, though targeted efforts to address burglary could further reduce disparities.

December 2024 saw a 30.7% decrease in Brandon’s crime rate compared to November, falling from 7.9 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This marks a notable shift in the local crime picture, with the overall rate now 22.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of two crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the fluctuating nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 182 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. This figure, though low, underscores the importance of ongoing community vigilance, particularly during periods of heightened activity such as the Christmas shopping season. The contrast with the previous month’s rate highlights the impact of seasonal factors, with the quieter festive period likely contributing to the decline in reported crimes. However, the consistency of certain crime types—such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage—suggests that underlying issues persist despite the overall downward trend.