Breaston and Draycott Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile for Breaston and Draycott in December 2023 reveals a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes. Over half of the 54 reported incidents (31 cases) fell under violence and sexual offences, a category that exceeded the UK average by 60% (4.2 per 1,000 vs 2.6 per 1,000). This stark contrast to property crimes—18 incidents total—suggests a local dynamic where interpersonal conflicts or targeted aggression may play a larger role than opportunistic theft. The area’s crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, 2.8% above the UK average, aligns with the seasonal context of December: extended dark evenings, holiday-related tensions, and potentially empty homes during festive absences. Vehicle crime (7 incidents) and criminal damage (6 incidents) also stood out, with both categories exceeding UK averages by 122% and 43% respectively. This may reflect a combination of increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping and the vulnerability of vehicles left unattended in residential areas. The absence of significant theft from the person or burglary—categories typically linked to tourist areas or high-traffic zones—further underscores the area’s distinct character, likely shaped by its built-up nature within Erewash and lower tourist exposure compared to coastal or urban centres. The data suggests that local factors, such as community cohesion or the presence of retail hubs, may influence the predominance of violent crime over property crime during this month.

December 2023 saw a dramatic 72.2% increase in violence and sexual offences, jumping from 18 to 31 incidents. This surge, which outpaced the UK average by 60%, may be linked to the festive season’s social pressures and reduced natural surveillance during darker evenings. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 200% (from 2 to 6 incidents), potentially tied to holiday decorations or disputes over property maintenance. Vehicle crime also climbed by 40% (5 to 7 incidents), reflecting increased car usage during Christmas shopping or the presence of unsecured vehicles in residential streets. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 60% (from 5 to 2 incidents), and public order offences fell by 40% (from 5 to 3), suggesting a localised reduction in disruptive behaviour during the month. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors and community dynamics. The area’s violent crime rate remains 60% above the UK average, while public order offences are 17% below, indicating a unique balance that may reflect local policing strategies or demographic patterns. Residents might find the 200% spike in criminal damage particularly concerning, as it suggests a potential risk to property integrity during the holiday period.

The crime rate in December 2023 (7.4 per 1,000) marked a 31.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000, indicating a sharp upward trend. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in December—a figure that, while modest, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents during this period. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 136 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while slightly above the UK average (7.2 per 1,000), remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. The population context of 7,349 residents means that each resident faces a 0.74% chance of being directly affected by crime in any given month. This statistic, however, does not account for the uneven distribution of crime types: violent crimes, which are more likely to impact individuals directly, account for over half of all incidents. The previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000 suggests that December’s increase may be tied to specific seasonal factors, such as the closure of schools, reduced foot traffic in certain areas, or the influx of visitors during the Christmas period. While the overall rate is only marginally higher than the UK average, the disproportionate rise in violent crimes highlights a localised challenge that may require targeted community engagement or policing initiatives.