Ruthin Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,720, Ruthin recorded 34 crimes in January 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 20.3% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, a difference that reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.2% of the total, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.6%) and public order offences (8.8%). The lower-than-average rate may partly explain the subdued levels of property crime, with only 8 incidents reported compared to 14 violent crimes. January, a post-holiday month with reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, likely contributed to the lower frequency of outdoor crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle-related offences. The data also highlights a seasonal shift in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour and public order incidents more prominent during the colder, darker evenings. While the overall crime rate remains stable compared to previous months, the breakdown of offences suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts and disorder rather than property-focused crime. This aligns with the character of Ruthin as a small built-up area where community dynamics and local events may influence the nature of reported incidents. The absence of significant spikes in burglary or vehicle crime further supports the idea that January’s reduced footfall and limited outdoor activity played a role in shaping the month’s crime profile.

January 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to December, with anti-social behaviour surging by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents) and criminal damage and arson doubling from 0 to 2. These increases may be linked to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings or tensions during the post-holiday period. Conversely, shoplifting and violence and sexual offences both declined, with shoplifting dropping by 33.3% (from 3 to 2) and violent crimes falling by 30% (from 20 to 14). The latter decrease could indicate a seasonal lull in alcohol-related incidents or improved policing efforts in high-risk areas. While Ruthin’s overall crime rate remains 20.3% below the UK average, certain categories diverge significantly: anti-social behaviour is 21% above the national rate, and other crime (such as unclassified incidents) is 186% above the UK average. This discrepancy may reflect local challenges, such as underreporting of minor incidents or unique community dynamics. Meanwhile, categories like criminal damage, shoplifting, and vehicle crime are all below the UK average by 30% or more, a trend consistent with Ruthin’s smaller population and lower retail density compared to larger urban areas. Residents might find the 133% rise in anti-social behaviour particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a need for community engagement strategies to address underlying issues.

Ruthin’s crime rate in January 2024 remained stable at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure recorded in December. This consistency contrasts with national trends, where the UK average crime rate typically fluctuates more significantly between months. Locally, the daily crime count averaged just 1 incident per day over the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of criminal activity in the area. When scaled to the population, this translates to a monthly exposure of 1 reported crime for every 168 residents—equivalent to a 1-in-168 chance of being directly affected by crime during January. This ratio is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk in a context where crime is generally low. Compared to the UK average, Ruthin’s performance is striking: the area’s violent crime rate (2.5 per 1,000) is 4% below the national figure, while property crimes remain sparse. However, the 21% above-average rate for anti-social behaviour highlights a specific challenge that may require targeted interventions. The stability of the overall crime rate, combined with the low daily incidence, suggests that Ruthin’s built-up area maintains a relatively safe environment, though localised issues such as anti-social behaviour remain areas for attention.