Broughton Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a significant upward trend in Broughton's crime rate, which reached 9.5 per 1,000 residents—31.9% above the UK average of 7.2. This figure, the highest recorded for the built-up area in recent months, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and localized patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (21 incidents, 33.3% of total), shoplifting (12 incidents, 19.1%), and anti-social behaviour (8 incidents, 12.7%). These categories align with typical December trends, as the holiday season brings increased foot traffic to retail areas and longer periods of darkness that may contribute to anti-social behaviour. The sharp rise in shoplifting, which is 267% above the UK average, suggests that Broughton's commercial centres may be particularly vulnerable during the Christmas shopping peak. Meanwhile, the 12.7% rate for other theft—103% above the UK average—indicates a broader pattern of property-related crime that may be linked to the area's character as a built-up community with a mix of residential and retail spaces. The 3.2 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences, though 22% above the UK average, may be influenced by the seasonal context of late-night social gatherings and the impact of empty homes during the holidays on local crime dynamics. These figures underscore the need for continued monitoring, particularly as the area transitions into the new year.

December 2023 saw a stark rise in burglary, with 5 incidents recorded—double the November total of zero. Vehicle crime also doubled to 3 incidents, while other crime categories rose to 1 from zero. These increases contrast with a 50% drop in public order offences, which fell from 2 to 1. The crime mix shifted sharply, with property crimes (32) now outnumbering violent crimes (21) for the first time in recent months. Shoplifting, at 12 incidents, remains 267% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, a disparity that highlights Broughton's unique challenges. Residents may find the 3.2 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences particularly concerning, as this category is 22% above the national average. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, holiday absences, and increased retail activity—likely contributes to these patterns.

Broughton's crime rate in December 2023 rose to 9.5 per 1,000 residents, a 53.6% increase from 6.2 per 1,000 in November. This shift translates to roughly 2 reported crimes per day across the built-up area, with one crime occurring for every 105 residents over the course of the month. While daily crime counts remain relatively low compared to larger urban centres, the rate's sharp rise contrasts with the previous month's stability. The population context reveals that Broughton's 6,602 residents now face a crime rate 31.9% above the UK average, a gap that widened significantly in December. This increase may partly reflect seasonal patterns, such as empty homes during the holiday period or heightened retail activity. However, the comparison to the previous month highlights a more immediate shift, with burglary and vehicle crime both doubling from zero to 5 and 3 incidents respectively. These changes suggest a localized factor influencing December's statistics, though the exact drivers remain unclear without further data.