Skelmanthorpe Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Skelmanthorpe’s September 2023 crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents places it 21.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This built-up area within Kirklees, a largely rural district, exhibits a crime profile that contrasts with national trends, particularly in the dominance of violent crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 65.6% of all reported crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (50% above). This stark contrast may partly explain the area’s overall lower crime rate, as property-related crimes such as burglary, vehicle crime, and shoplifting remain well below national averages. The seasonal context of September—when back-to-school routines and university freshers’ week begin—may influence patterns, though the area’s low population density and limited commercial activity could also contribute to lower property crime rates. While violent crime dominates, the absence of major retail hubs or nightlife areas may help explain the relatively low rates of theft from the person or vehicle crime compared to urban centres. The breakdown highlights a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, with the area’s crime profile reflecting both its rural character and specific social dynamics during the transition from summer to autumn.

September 2023 saw a 200% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 7 to 21 cases. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in shoplifting and public order offences, indicates a significant shift in the crime mix compared to August. While property crimes such as burglary dropped by 50%, the dominance of violent crime remains striking—violence and sexual offences alone account for over two-thirds of all reported crimes. This category’s rate of 4.1 per 1,000 is 50% above the UK average, a divergence that contrasts with the area’s overall lower crime rate. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences, both of which increased from zero to one case, highlight unusual spikes that may reflect specific local events or reporting patterns. The data also shows that other theft, vehicle crime, and burglary are all significantly below UK averages, with other theft at 67% below and burglary at 38% below. These figures suggest that while violent crime is a pressing concern, the area’s lower population density and limited commercial infrastructure may act as mitigating factors for property-related offences.

Skelmanthorpe’s crime rate in September 2023 rose sharply from 2.7 per 1,000 in August, marking a 128.9% increase. This jump, though significant, still leaves the area well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day in September—a local figure that provides context for residents navigating the month. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this small built-up area. When scaled to the population of 5,120, the 32 total crimes reported represent a manageable burden compared to larger urban centres. However, the surge in violent crime raises questions about local factors influencing this increase, such as the timing of university freshers’ week or other seasonal events. The contrast with the UK average highlights both the area’s relative safety and the need for targeted responses to the specific types of crime that are rising. These comparisons offer residents a clearer picture of how their local crime experience aligns with national trends, while also emphasizing the unique challenges faced by this rural built-up area.