Denbighshire Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Denbighshire's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 10.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 33.3% above the UK average of 8.1. This positions the area as one of the higher-risk local authority districts nationally, though the gap between local and national figures is notable. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.9% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). These figures suggest a pattern of community-level tensions and property-related issues, which may be influenced by seasonal factors. October, with its darker evenings and the transition to British Summer Time, likely contributes to increased incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour, as outdoor activity shifts and visibility decreases. The data also shows that Denbighshire's violent crime rate (4.6 per 1,000) is 72% above the UK average for this category, a stark contrast to its burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000), which is 9% below the national figure. This divergence may reflect local characteristics, such as a higher concentration of residential areas or community spaces where interpersonal conflicts are more likely to occur. The seasonal context of October—marked by Halloween and the end of the tourist season—could further amplify these trends, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or where nightlife activity persists despite reduced daylight hours. While the overall crime rate remains elevated, the breakdown of crime types highlights specific areas for targeted intervention.

October 2024 saw significant month-on-month changes in Denbighshire's crime profile. Burglary rates surged by 190%, rising from 10 to 29 incidents, a jump that may be linked to seasonal shifts in household security practices or increased opportunities during the autumn period. Simultaneously, possession of weapons increased by 100%, with reports doubling from 7 to 14 cases. This sharp rise could indicate either heightened criminal activity or improved reporting mechanisms. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 71.4%, declining from 7 to 2 incidents, a drop that may reflect successful policing efforts or reduced foot traffic in high-risk areas during the month. The crime mix also shifted markedly, with violent crimes accounting for 42.9% of all reported incidents—well above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage remained elevated, both exceeding their respective UK averages by 47% and 53%. Shoplifting decreased by 11.4%, suggesting that targeted retail security measures or seasonal retail patterns may have had an impact. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime trends, with some categories showing clear responses to seasonal and environmental factors.

Denbighshire's crime rate in October 2024 (10.8 per 1,000) represented a 22.4% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 8.8 per 1,000, underscoring a growing trend in local crime levels. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 34 crimes per day in October, a figure that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide statistics, provides a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents in Denbighshire. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 93 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when considered alongside the area's population of 98,202, illustrates the scale of the challenge faced by local authorities. This figure is particularly significant when compared to the UK average, as it reflects a higher incidence of crime per capita. The population-scaled perspective also highlights disparities within the local crime profile: while violent crimes dominate at 4.6 per 1,000, burglary rates are comparatively lower at 0.3 per 1,000. These differences may be attributable to Denbighshire's geographical and demographic characteristics, such as its mix of rural and urban areas, which could influence the distribution of crime types. The data thus illustrates an area where community safety initiatives need to be tailored to address the specific risks posed by violent and anti-social behaviour, while also leveraging the lower rates in property-related crimes to inform broader crime prevention strategies.