March (Built-Up Area within Fenland) Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 21,434 residents, 181 reported crimes in December 2023 translates to a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 people—16.7% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This rate, while slightly lower than the previous month’s 9.5 per 1,000, still reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining crime levels comparable to national standards. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark focus on violent incidents, with 82 cases of violence and sexual offences accounting for 45.3% of the total. This category alone is 45% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the area’s built-up character and potential for concentrated social interactions during the festive season. Other crime, including 18 incidents, also stands out, being 567% above the UK average—a discrepancy that could reflect local reporting practices or the nature of the area’s economy. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences were below the UK average, due to reduced public gatherings during December. The seasonal context of Christmas shopping, extended party hours, and dark evenings likely contributed to the higher rates of violent crime and shoplifting, though these factors may not fully explain the broader disparities compared to the UK average. The area’s built-up status within Fenland, a region historically marked by rural-urban transitions, may further shape these patterns, with limited infrastructure or community engagement exacerbating certain crime types.

December 2023 witnessed a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from one to two incidents—a sharp uptick that may reflect seasonal changes in outdoor activity or theft opportunities. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 33.3%, potentially linked to the Christmas shopping peak and extended evening hours. Other crime also increased by 20%, though the category’s definition remains unclear without further breakdown. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 57.1%, a significant drop that may indicate effective policing or reduced illicit activity during the festive period. Vehicle crime decreased by 44.4%, due to fewer vehicles on the road during holidays or improved security measures. Public order offences also fell by 43.8%, a decline consistent with the usual reduction in public gatherings during December. Violence and sexual offences remained 45% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge in this category despite the overall rate decrease.

December 2023 saw a 10.9% decrease in the area’s crime rate compared to November, falling from 9.5 to 8.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns where holiday-related activity may subside after the Christmas peak. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six crimes per day over the month, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 118 residents over the course of December. This monthly exposure rate offers a tangible sense of the frequency of crime in the built-up area, though it does not account for variations in reporting or under-the-radar incidents. The population of 21,434 means that each resident faces a 0.84% chance of being directly affected by crime over the year, a metric that contextualises the local rate against the UK average. While the drop from November is notable, the area still remains 16.7% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in maintaining lower crime levels relative to national benchmarks.