Denbighshire Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 marked a combination of persistent challenges and notable reductions in Denbighshire’s crime profile. The overall crime rate stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, 33.3% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a landscape where violent crime dominates, accounting for 41.6% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences (409 cases) remained the most prevalent category, significantly outpacing the UK average by 62%. Anti-social behaviour (193 cases) followed closely, 69% above the national average, while criminal damage and arson (80 cases) showed a 31% increase compared to UK rates. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays and spring weather—may have contributed to heightened outdoor activity, which could partly explain the elevated levels of public order offences and anti-social behaviour. However, the data also highlights a critical shift in the crime mix, with property crimes (282 cases) representing a smaller proportion than violent crimes, a trend consistent with broader UK patterns in areas with mixed urban and rural characteristics. While the overall rate remains concerning, the seasonal context provides a framework for understanding these patterns, though further analysis would be needed to identify specific local factors.

The month-on-month analysis revealed several key trends, with notable reductions in certain categories. Robbery incidents fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), marking a significant decrease that may reflect improved community policing efforts or seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic during Easter. Similarly, 'other crime' dropped by 50% (from 18 to 9), suggesting a temporary reduction in unclassified incidents. Drug-related offences also declined by 34.5% (from 29 to 19), a shift that could indicate the impact of targeted interventions or changes in local patterns. However, other areas saw increases: bicycle theft rose by 66.7% (from 3 to 5), linked to warmer weather and increased cycling activity. Theft from the person increased by 50% (from 2 to 3), tied to higher outdoor activity during spring. Vehicle crime surged by 46.2% (from 13 to 19), a contrast to its 56% below UK average rate. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of crime in Denbighshire, with some categories responding to seasonal changes while others remain stubbornly elevated. For residents, the 75% drop in robbery is a clear indicator of progress, though the persistence of violence and anti-social behaviour remains a pressing concern.

April 2023 saw a 2.3% decrease in Denbighshire’s crime rate compared to March 2023, falling from 10.3 to 10.0 per 1,000 residents. This small but notable decline occurred against a backdrop of 33 crimes reported per day on average, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the local crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 98,202. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the comparison to March suggests that localized efforts may have had a marginal impact. The daily crime count, however, remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge. For context, the UK average rate of 7.5 per 1,000 means Denbighshire’s rate is significantly higher, though the month-on-month reduction indicates that the area is not experiencing a steady upward trend. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the need for sustained action, as even a small decrease in the overall rate translates to fewer incidents for residents. This nuanced view of the data underscores the importance of tracking trends over time, rather than relying solely on absolute figures.