Heysham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Heysham, a built-up area within Lancaster, recorded 100 crimes across a population of 14,993 residents. This equates to a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people, placing the area 6.9% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 52% of all incidents (52 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (22 cases). This distribution highlights a local pattern where interpersonal crime dominates, contrasting with the UK-wide trend where property crimes often lead. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and holiday-related disruptions—likely contributed to the prominence of violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, specific categories like violence and sexual offences exceed UK norms, suggesting potential influences from the area's proximity to larger urban centres and the dynamics of its built-up environment. The data also reveals a stark contrast between violent crime and property crime: with 52 violent offences and only 17 property crimes, the profile leans heavily towards crimes involving personal interaction. This imbalance may be attributed to local demographics, such as a higher proportion of working-age residents or the presence of transient populations during peak travel periods. The relatively low property crime rate, particularly for burglary and vehicle crime, which are 43% and 78% below UK averages respectively, could reflect the area's lower population density and the effectiveness of local security measures in residential and commercial zones.

December 2023 saw a 75% increase in criminal damage and arson cases, rising from four to seven incidents. This surge, combined with a 25% rise in public order offences, may reflect heightened social activity during the festive season. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 60%, aligning with a pattern observed in previous years where holiday closures and reduced traffic contribute to lower vehicle-related incidents. The category of 'violence and sexual offences'—accounting for 52% of all crimes—was 34% above the UK average, a discrepancy that could be attributed to Heysham's proximity to Lancaster, a larger urban centre with higher social interaction rates. Anti-social behaviour, making up 22% of reported crimes, was 61% above the UK average, suggesting a need for focused interventions in local community spaces. These figures, while concerning, contrast with the 78% reduction in vehicle crime, which may indicate seasonal shifts in criminal opportunity.

Heysham's crime rate in December 2023 (6.7 per 1,000 residents) represents a 5.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a local trend observed during December, a month typically marked by reduced outdoor activity and holiday-related closures. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that reflects the overall low crime environment in Heysham. When scaled to the local population of 14,993, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 150 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This monthly aggregate suggests that while crime remains a concern, its impact is distributed across a smaller population base, potentially allowing for more targeted community policing efforts. The contrast with the UK average, though not directly comparable in daily terms, highlights Heysham's position as a safer locale within the broader national context.