Ushaw Moor and Bearpark Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile in Ushaw Moor and Bearpark for September 2023, accounting for 42.9% of all reported crimes. This category alone contributes 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 24% above the UK average for this specific offence type. The overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents in September is 1.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but notable trend. While property crimes constitute 28.6% of the total (14 incidents), violent crimes (21 incidents) remain the most significant category, likely influenced by the seasonal transition into darker evenings and the return of students to local institutions. The breakdown shows shoplifting as the second most common offence, with 12 incidents reported—239% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour (10 incidents) and public order offences (4 incidents) also feature prominently, though the latter is 3% below the UK average. The area’s small population and rural-adjacent character may contribute to the concentration of violent crimes in specific locations, such as the town centre or near educational facilities. September’s back-to-school and university freshers period may have amplified social interactions and alcohol-related incidents, explaining the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the relatively low crime rate overall suggests effective community policing or natural deterrents in the area’s built-up environment.

September 2023 marked a 48.6% increase in the overall crime rate compared to the previous month, rising from 5.3 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This surge was driven by sharp increases in specific categories: public order offences doubled from 2 to 4 incidents (+100%), anti-social behaviour rose by 66.7% (6 to 10 incidents), and shoplifting increased by 50% (8 to 12 incidents). The rise in public order offences may be linked to the return of students and the start of term, creating environments where alcohol-fuelled disputes are more likely. Shoplifting rates in Ushaw Moor and Bearpark are 239% above the UK average, a stark contrast to categories like criminal damage and arson, which are 67% below the UK average. The area’s violence and sexual offences rate (3.4 per 1,000) is 24% higher than the UK average, suggesting local factors such as targeted policing areas or social dynamics may be at play. Residents may find the 12 shoplifting incidents particularly notable, as this category is high compared to national trends. The increase in anti-social behaviour could indicate challenges in managing community spaces during peak social periods, though the overall crime rate remains slightly below the UK average.

The crime rate in September 2023 (7.9 per 1,000) represents a significant upward shift from the previous month’s rate of 5.3 per 1,000, marking a 48.6% increase. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly 2 crimes per day across the 6,214 residents of Ushaw Moor and Bearpark. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure figure that provides context for the density of incidents in a relatively small population. While the overall rate is slightly below the UK average, the stark disparities in specific categories—such as shoplifting and violence—highlight localised trends. For instance, the 12 shoplifting incidents in September are 239% above the UK average, suggesting a unique challenge in retail crime management compared to national benchmarks. Conversely, categories like criminal damage and arson are 67% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the area’s lower population density or effective community engagement strategies. The comparison between September and August underscores the volatility of crime patterns in this built-up area, with seasonal factors such as the return of students and the transition into autumn likely playing a role in the month-on-month fluctuation.