Pelton and Ouston Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Pelton and Ouston’s crime rate in March 2023 stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, 9.2% above the UK average of 7.6. The area’s crime profile was dominated by anti-social behaviour (24% of all incidents), violence and sexual offences (20%), and criminal damage and arson (14%). These figures reflect a pattern consistent with small built-up areas where community spaces and local amenities are central to daily life. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings and the clocks changing, likely contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour, which is 92% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, however, fell below the UK average by 38%, possibly due to reduced alcohol-related incidents during the early spring period. The presence of criminal damage and arson at twice the UK rate highlights vulnerabilities in property security, particularly in older housing stock. Other theft and public order offences also exceeded national averages, underscoring the need for targeted policing in high-traffic zones such as local shops and community centres. The overall crime rate, while elevated compared to the UK, remains within the range expected for a small rural-adjacent area with limited resources for crime prevention.

Anti-social behaviour saw the most dramatic month-on-month increase, rising from 8 incidents in February to 12 in March—a 50% surge. This spike aligns with the transition to spring, when longer evenings may increase social interactions in public spaces. Conversely, violent crimes fell by 20% (from 12 to 10), a decline that may reflect seasonal changes in activity patterns or improved community engagement. Anti-social behaviour in Pelton and Ouston is 92% above the UK average (2.0 vs 1.0 per 1,000), a stark contrast to violent crimes, which are 38% below the UK average (1.7 vs 2.7 per 1,000). Other theft and criminal damage also exceeded UK averages by 69% and 100% respectively, suggesting a need for focused prevention strategies in local retail and housing areas.

In March 2023, Pelton and Ouston recorded 50 crimes over 31 days, averaging 2 crimes per day. This equates to one reported crime for every 120 residents over the course of the month. The daily crime rate highlights the frequency of incidents in a small built-up area, where limited public spaces and high foot traffic in local amenities may contribute to persistent anti-social behaviour. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-120 residents provides context for residents assessing risk, though it does not indicate the likelihood of being a victim. With a population of 6,009, the area’s compact size means crime incidents are concentrated within a tight geographic footprint, making localised policing and community engagement critical. The daily statistic also underscores the need for targeted interventions during peak hours, such as evenings when anti-social behaviour incidents are most common.