St Ives Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

St Ives’ crime rate in December 2023 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 26.4% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 34.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.8%) and criminal damage and arson (12.2%). This pattern aligns with the area’s seasonal context: December’s long nights, Christmas shopping peak, and empty homes over the holidays likely contributed to increased opportunities for certain crimes. The rise in criminal damage and arson, while unexplained by the data, may be linked to seasonal gatherings or property neglect during the festive period. Conversely, vehicle crime and other theft fell sharply, 33% and 49% below UK averages respectively, possibly reflecting reduced vehicle activity or improved security measures. The balance between violent and property crimes suggests a mixed picture, with community safety efforts seemingly effective in curbing theft but facing challenges in addressing anti-social and property-related incidents. This rate, though low, underscores the need for targeted interventions as the area navigates the seasonal shift from holiday activity to the quieter post-Christmas period.

December 2023 saw a 1,000% surge in criminal damage and arson, the most dramatic month-on-month shift, rising from 1 to 11 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 166.7% increase in public order offences and a 100% rise in burglary, suggests a notable shift in crime dynamics. Violent crimes, which accounted for 34.4% of all incidents, remained 31% below the UK average, while vehicle crime dropped 33% compared to national rates. The sharp decline in shoplifting (-66.7%) may reflect reduced foot traffic during the festive season or enhanced retail security measures. Residents may find the 80% reduction in shoplifting reassuring, though the surge in property crimes—particularly burglary—raises questions about targeted vulnerabilities in the area. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of seasonal factors and local conditions.

St Ives’ crime rate rose 30.4% from 4.1 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, marking a notable upward trend compared to November. On average, 3 crimes were reported daily, a figure that, while low, reflects the area’s relatively small population of 16,924. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. This rate remains 26.4% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, suggesting a consistently safer environment than the national norm. However, the increase in reported crimes highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly as seasonal factors like festive gatherings and reduced visibility may influence patterns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while individual risk remains low, the absolute rise in numbers warrants attention to emerging trends in specific crime categories.