Ely Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 25,642, Ely recorded 95 crimes in January 2024, translating to a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents—50% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures reflects the area's character as a historic market town with limited urban density. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (28 cases, 29.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15 cases, 15.8%) and other theft (10 cases, 10.5%). These patterns align with Ely's built-up area profile, where social interactions in public spaces and small-scale retail operations create specific risk profiles. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced footfall—likely contributed to the lower overall rate compared to busier months. While violence and sexual offences remained the largest category, their rate (1.1 per 1,000) was 58% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour, though less frequent than in many areas, still accounted for 15.8% of crimes, possibly linked to the town's residential density and limited commercial zones. The data also reveals Ely's unique position: while burglary rates were 11% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.4 per 1,000), this may reflect the town's historic architecture and limited security measures in older properties. The relatively low levels of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 80% below UK average) and drugs offences (0.1 per 1,000, 52% below UK average) further highlight the area's distinct crime profile, shaped by its rural-urban interface and low population density.

January 2024 saw a sharp 125% increase in shoplifting, with cases rising from 4 to 9. This jump contrasts with the 50% decrease in public order offences, which fell from 10 to 5. Bicycle theft also doubled, with 2 incidents reported compared to 1 in December. These changes highlight shifting patterns in criminal activity, particularly in retail spaces. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.5% of all crimes, significantly below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (58% lower). Meanwhile, burglary rates in Ely (0.4 per 1,000) were 11% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000, a narrow but notable discrepancy. The increase in shoplifting may be linked to post-holiday retail patterns, while the drop in public order offences could reflect reduced social gatherings during colder weather. Residents may find the 125% rise in shoplifting particularly concerning, given Ely's status as a historic town with significant retail presence.

Ely's crime rate in January 2024 remained stable compared to December 2023, with a 1.9% increase from 3.6 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major spikes or dips in overall criminal activity during the month. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 3 crimes per day, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate. When scaled to population size, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 270 residents, highlighting the relatively low risk profile of Ely compared to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it contextualises the impact of crime on a personal level. The built-up area's small population size likely contributes to this lower frequency, with limited opportunities for certain crime types to proliferate. The stability in crime rate also reflects the area's seasonal rhythm, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities compared to busier months.