Scawthorpe and Cusworth Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Scawthorpe and Cusworth recorded a crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.5% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of approximately 4 crimes per day for residents of this built-up area within Doncaster. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 25.6% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (13.2%) and other theft (9.1%). These figures highlight a distinct pattern in the area’s crime profile, with property crimes making up nearly half of all reports (58.6%) compared to 25.6% for violent crimes. Seasonal factors likely contribute to this imbalance, as December’s short evenings, empty homes during the holiday season, and increased foot traffic in retail areas may create conditions conducive to both property and violent crime. The rate of violence and sexual offences in the area (2.2 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average, suggesting localised differences in policing or community dynamics that may mitigate certain types of crime. However, the significant rise in criminal damage and arson (126% above the UK average) raises questions about the interplay between seasonal neglect of properties and targeted vandalism. The area’s mixed-use character—combining residential, commercial, and industrial zones—may also explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which are often linked to high-traffic or transient populations.

December 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson doubling from 8 to 16 incidents—a 100% month-on-month rise. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as empty homes during the holiday period may have left properties more vulnerable to vandalism. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 52.4% compared to November, likely due to reduced retail activity during the Christmas period and heightened security measures in stores. The area’s rate of criminal damage and arson (1.2 per 1,000) is 126% above the UK average, underscoring a localised issue that may require targeted interventions. Meanwhile, the rate of violence and sexual offences (2.2 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average, suggesting that local policing or community initiatives may be effective in curbing such crimes. A resident would find the 100% increase in possession of weapons (from 1 to 3 incidents) particularly concerning, as this category is 233% above the UK average and may signal a rise in violent incidents. These shifts in crime mix highlight the need for adaptive strategies to address both seasonal and persistent challenges in the area.

December 2024 marked a 6.2% decrease in the overall crime rate compared to November, falling from 9.3 to 8.7 per 1,000 residents. While this decline is modest, it contrasts with the significant rise in certain categories, such as criminal damage and arson. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 4 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in specific areas or times. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 115 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. This ratio is higher than the UK average when considering the area’s above-average rates for property crimes and anti-social behaviour. The population context is critical: with 13,944 residents, even a small increase in crime can have a measurable impact on local communities. The 22.5% gap between the area’s crime rate and the UK average suggests that residents may face a higher baseline risk than the national average, though this is partially offset by the lower-than-average rate of violence and sexual offences. These comparisons underscore the importance of targeted local measures to address the specific challenges facing Scawthorpe and Cusworth.