Ely Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Ely’s crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents placed it 40.8% below the UK average, reflecting a safer environment compared to the national picture. This translates to a monthly risk of one reported crime for every 240 residents, a figure that contextualises the rate in everyday terms. The top three crime categories—anti-social behaviour (32.7%), violence and sexual offences (31.8%), and shoplifting (8.4%)—highlight a mix of public order challenges and retail-related incidents. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for over a third of all crimes, is higher than the UK average (49% above), suggesting localised tensions in community spaces. Violence and sexual offences, however, were 49% below the UK average, consistent with Ely’s character as a small, low-density built-up area where social interactions may be more closely monitored. Seasonal factors in December—such as extended darkness, holiday-related property emptiness, and heightened retail activity—likely contribute to patterns seen in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than national benchmarks.

December 2024 saw stark shifts in specific crime categories. Burglary surged by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents), a jump that may reflect increased home vulnerability during the holiday season when properties are unoccupied. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 85.7% (from 7 to 1), potentially linked to reduced parking congestion in residential areas during the festive period. Anti-social behaviour, at 32.7% of all crimes, remained 49% above the UK average, indicating persistent challenges in managing public spaces. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell 49% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Ely’s demographic profile as a town with limited nightlife and fewer high-traffic entertainment venues. The sharp increase in 'other crime' (100% rise) and drugs-related incidents (100% rise) raises questions about unreported or under-recorded activities, though these categories remain low in absolute terms. These fluctuations underscore the importance of monitoring specific crime types rather than relying solely on aggregated figures.

Ely’s crime rate in December 2024 (4.2 per 1,000) marked a 9.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.6 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day—roughly one every 8 hours—though this frequency is still below the UK average. Over the course of the month, 1 in 240 residents faced a reported crime, a figure that illustrates the relatively low risk faced by Ely’s population compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when contrasted with the UK’s higher average, where residents are more frequently affected by crime. The population context further reinforces this: with 25,642 residents, Ely’s manageable size and community-oriented infrastructure may contribute to its lower crime rates. While the town’s built-up area status introduces some urban crime dynamics, its small-scale nature likely limits the spread of more severe criminal activity, offering a comparative advantage in terms of public safety.