Broughton (Flintshire) Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw Broughton (Flintshire) record a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.4% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This relatively low rate, sustained despite the seasonal pressures of Bonfire Night and Black Friday, contrasts with the unexpected rise in shoplifting cases, which surged to 13 incidents (31.7% of total crimes). Violence and sexual offences (14 cases) remained the most prevalent category, but their rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 19% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area's generally lower exposure to violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, at 4 cases (9.8% of total), was 46% below the UK average, reinforcing the area's stable community profile. However, the sharp divergence in shoplifting rates—190% above the UK average—raises questions about local retail dynamics, particularly during the post-Black Friday period. This anomaly may be attributed to the town's proximity to larger retail hubs in Wrexham, where foot traffic and promotional activity could create unique opportunities for theft. The overall crime mix, with property crimes accounting for 43.9% of all incidents, suggests a balanced profile, though the disproportionate focus on shoplifting warrants further analysis. Seasonal factors, including the early onset of dark evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night, likely contributed to the persistence of low violent crime rates, as outdoor activity and social gatherings were limited compared to summer months. These patterns align with historical trends in Flintshire's built-up areas, where community engagement and local policing have historically mitigated spikes in violent crime, even during high-traffic periods.

The most striking shift in November was the 18.2% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 11 to 13 incidents. This surge, despite the typically low seasonal demand for retail crime, contrasts sharply with the 66.7% drop in other theft cases, which fell from six to two. The anomaly in shoplifting may be linked to Black Friday promotions, though the absence of a corresponding spike in vehicle crime—common during post-Christmas sales—suggests a unique dynamic at play. Other notable changes include a 100% increase in 'other crime' reports, a category that includes non-specific but potentially disruptive incidents. Burglary also doubled from zero to one case, though this remains an outlier given the area's overall low property crime rate. Conversely, criminal damage and arson cases halved, a decline consistent with the generally quiet winter months in rural Flintshire. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted monitoring, particularly in retail corridors where shoplifting rates are 190% above the UK average, a disparity that demands closer scrutiny.

Broughton's crime rate in November 2024 (6.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 4.6% decrease from October's 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This decline aligns with broader patterns observed in Flintshire's built-up areas, where community-focused policing initiatives have historically contributed to sustained reductions. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day during the month, a figure that, while seemingly low, is consistent with the region's generally stable crime profile. Monthly exposure calculations reveal that over the course of November, one crime occurred for every 161 residents—a statistic that contextualises the scale of risk in a way that avoids overemphasising isolated incidents. When compared to the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, Broughton's rate remains 18.4% below, a margin that has narrowed slightly from previous years but still reflects the area's lower-than-average exposure to violent crime. This comparative advantage is particularly evident in violent crime categories, where local rates are 19% below the UK average, though shoplifting anomalies suggest targeted interventions may be needed in retail zones.