Denbigh Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Denbigh's crime profile in December 2023, accounting for 50% of all reported crimes. At 8.7 per 1,000 residents, the area's crime rate was 20.8% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the need for focused intervention in this built-up area within Denbighshire. The prominence of violent crime—34 incidents compared to 16 property crimes—reflects a pattern consistent with smaller urban centres where social interactions and community density can amplify interpersonal conflicts. This trend is compounded by December's seasonal factors: shorter days, holiday-related stress, and the influx of visitors to local shops and services may have created conditions conducive to violence. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category (17.7% of total crimes), also exceeded the UK average by 61%, suggesting that community cohesion efforts may be under strain. The area's relatively low property crime rate—particularly shoplifting, which was 18% below the UK average—could be attributed to the absence of large retail hubs typical in more densely populated urban areas. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson during December, coupled with the doubling of drug-related incidents, indicates vulnerabilities that warrant closer examination. These shifts may be partially explained by the holiday season's impact on community dynamics, with empty homes and increased alcohol consumption contributing to a rise in vandalism and substance-related offences.

December 2023 saw a sharp 125% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from four to nine incidents. This jump aligns with seasonal patterns, as empty homes during the Christmas holidays may have contributed to targeted acts of vandalism. Drug-related crimes also doubled, reaching four incidents, a trend that contrasts with the UK average, which reported 0.2 per 1,000 residents. Meanwhile, shoplifting dropped by 57.1% compared to November, likely due to reduced foot traffic during the holiday season and increased retail security measures. The most significant UK comparison disparity lies in violence and sexual offences, which occurred at 4.4 per 1,000 residents—68% above the UK average. Residents might find the 100% increase in theft from the person, though this category remains below the UK average by 44%, a statistic that suggests targeted prevention efforts could be effective in this area.

Denbigh's crime rate in December 2023 rose to 8.7 per 1,000 residents, a 9.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This places the area 20.8% above the UK average, a consistent trend for the built-up area within Denbighshire. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly two crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 115 residents, highlighting the relatively high frequency of incidents compared to the population size. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable given the area's small population of 7,788, where even a small number of incidents can have a disproportionate impact on community perception of safety. The rate's upward trajectory since November suggests a need for continued monitoring, though the daily figure remains manageable for local policing resources.