Birtley Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Birtley recorded 115 crimes across its population of 14,483 residents, equating to a crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 people. This rate is 9.7% higher than the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a disparity that may be influenced by the area’s built-up nature within Gateshead and the seasonal dynamics of December. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (42 incidents, 36.5% of total), followed by vehicle crime (14 incidents, 12.2%) and anti-social behaviour (12 incidents, 10.4%). These figures are consistent with the area’s character as a densely populated urban district, where high foot traffic in retail and commercial zones may contribute to property-related crimes. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, extended periods of darkness, and the potential for empty homes during holidays—likely amplifies the visibility of certain crimes, such as vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the data also shows that some categories, like shoplifting, were 39% below the UK average, suggesting that local policing or community initiatives may have had a mitigating effect. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences, which were 11% above the UK average, may reflect broader social or environmental factors, such as the concentration of public spaces in Birtley that could facilitate such incidents. Overall, the crime profile for December 2023 illustrates a combination of local conditions and national trends, with specific categories standing out as both elevated and suppressed relative to the UK context.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing 100% month-on-month increases: other crime (from 0 to 3), drugs (from 0 to 2), and bicycle theft (from 0 to 1). These spikes, though small in absolute terms, suggest emerging trends or localized factors influencing criminal activity. Conversely, burglary and criminal damage and arson both decreased significantly, by 42.9% and 37.5% respectively, potentially reflecting seasonal changes or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 36.5% of all crimes, and were 11% above the UK average. Vehicle crime, at 12.2% of total crimes, was 122% above the UK average, a stark contrast to shoplifting, which was 39% below the UK rate. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle theft—despite the small number—may signal a need for increased awareness in local cycling hubs or parking areas.

Birtley's December 2023 crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 2.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 7.7 per 1,000. This slight upward trend aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping and darker evenings may contribute to higher visibility of certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. When considering the population of 14,483, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 126 residents over the course of the month. While this rate is slightly above the UK average, the monthly exposure figure highlights that most residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis. The population-scaled perspective also underscores that Birtley’s crime profile, though elevated relative to the UK, remains concentrated in specific categories such as violence and vehicle crime, which may reflect local factors like high-traffic areas or community dynamics.