Ely Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Ely, the December 2023 crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 people translates to a daily risk that is significantly lower than the UK average. This figure — 50% below the national rate of 7.2 per 1,000 — reflects the area’s character as a historic market town with a blend of residential and commercial activity. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (29% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.5%) and public order incidents (10.8%). These patterns align with the seasonal context of December, a month marked by Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and the temporary absence of some residents during the festive period. The lower rates of property crimes compared to the UK average, particularly in categories like burglary (14% below) and vehicle crime (78% below), suggest that Ely’s built-up area, with its mix of historic architecture and modern infrastructure, may have a lower vulnerability to certain crime types. However, the rise in vehicle crime and burglary highlights the need for continued vigilance in areas with high foot traffic and during periods when homes are unoccupied. The data also shows that Ely’s crime profile is influenced by its unique demographic and geographic features, including its proximity to natural landscapes and its role as a regional hub for services and tourism. This combination of factors likely contributes to the area’s relatively low crime rate, even as specific categories fluctuate month-to-month.

December 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime spiked by 200%, rising from one to three incidents — a jump that may partly explain the seasonal surge in holiday travel and increased parking activity. Concurrently, drugs-related offences doubled, marking a 100% increase from November, though this remains a small proportion of total crimes. Burglary also rose by 75%, from four to seven incidents, possibly linked to empty homes over the festive period. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 60% compared to November, aligning with a seasonal dip in retail activity. Violence and sexual offences remained 58% below the UK average, with 27 incidents reported — a figure that, while significant locally, is markedly lower than the national rate. These shifts illustrate the combination of local factors and seasonal rhythms, with Ely’s crime picture shaped by its unique mix of historic sites, residential areas, and commercial hubs.

Ely’s December 2023 crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents marks a 14.9% increase from November’s 3.2, yet remains 50% below the UK average of 7.2. Translating this into daily life, the area experienced roughly three crimes per day over the month — a figure that, for a town of 25,642 residents, reflects a low baseline for a built-up area. On a monthly scale, this equates to one reported crime for every 276 residents, a ratio that underscores Ely’s relative safety compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Ely’s crime profile is shaped by its character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where localised factors such as seasonal rhythms and community engagement may influence crime patterns more than broad national trends. The town’s low crime rate, despite the month-on-month rise, suggests that its infrastructure and policing efforts continue to mitigate risks effectively.