Birtley Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 14,483 residents, Birtley recorded 112 crimes in December 2024, translating to 7.7 incidents per 1,000 people. This rate, 8.5% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlights a localised concentration of crime that warrants closer examination. The most significant contributors to this figure were violence and sexual offences (51 cases, 45.5% of total), burglary (13 cases, 11.6%), and shoplifting (11 cases, 9.8%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a time marked by heightened retail activity, dark evenings, and the potential for increased alcohol-fuelled incidents. The prominence of violent crime in Birtley during this month may reflect the town’s character as a built-up area within Gateshead, where urban density and proximity to major transport links could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s significant presence—40% above the UK average—suggests a possible link to the retail environment, particularly around Christmas shopping. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (26% below the UK average) may indicate effective community policing or a demographic profile that mitigates such incidents. These patterns underscore the need to consider both local and national factors when interpreting crime data, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific challenges faced by Birtley.

December 2024 marked notable shifts in crime patterns for Birtley. Robbery incidents saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 1, a spike that may reflect heightened activity during holiday periods. Burglary also rose by 44.4%, with 13 incidents reported—190% above the UK average for this category. Public order offences increased by 28.6%, possibly linked to the festive season’s associated disturbances. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 63.6%, with only 4 incidents recorded, a 25% reduction below the UK average. Other theft plummeted by 87.5%, dropping from 8 to 1, a decrease that may indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the holiday period. The breakdown of crimes shows a stark contrast between violent offences—37% above the UK average—and anti-social behaviour, which was 26% below the UK average, suggesting a combination of local factors and broader trends.

Birtley's crime rate in December 2024 fell by 26.4% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.5 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when holiday-related activities and shorter evenings may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the volume of incidents in a way that is tangible for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This figure contrasts with the previous month’s higher rate, suggesting a possible stabilisation in policing efforts or a shift in criminal activity patterns. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Birtley’s crime rate, while above the UK average, remains relatively concentrated in specific categories such as violence and burglary, which may reflect local demographics or environmental factors.