Rothwell (Leeds) Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 saw Rothwell (Leeds) maintain a crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.5% above the UK average of 8.0. This built-up area within Leeds, characterised by its proximity to the city centre and a mix of residential and commercial zones, experiences crime patterns influenced by both urban density and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.9%) and public order issues (11.4%). These figures align with the area’s profile as a densely populated suburb where social interactions and nightlife activity contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The month of October, with its shorter daylight hours and Halloween festivities, likely amplifies anti-social behaviour and public order challenges, as seen in the 86% increase in public order crimes compared to the UK average. Despite this, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime remained relatively low, with burglary at 0.3 per 1,000 (12% below the UK average) and vehicle crime at 0.4 per 1,000 (23% below the UK average). This suggests that while violent and disorderly crimes dominate, the area’s infrastructure—such as secure housing and limited retail corridors—may mitigate property-related incidents. The seasonal context of October, with clocks going back and darker evenings, may also play a role in the elevated rates of public order offences, as reduced visibility and increased alcohol consumption during Halloween events could contribute to disturbances.

The month-on-month analysis reveals significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Drug-related crimes saw a 400% increase, rising from one incident in September to five in October—a stark spike that may reflect heightened illicit activity or changes in law enforcement focus. Similarly, theft from the person more than doubled (200% increase), potentially linked to Halloween-related events where crowds and distractions create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Possession of weapons also surged by 100%, with two incidents reported in October compared to none in September, indicating a worrying trend that may warrant further local scrutiny. In contrast, burglary and criminal damage and arson both declined sharply: burglary fell by 53.3% (from 15 to 7), and criminal damage dropped by 48% (from 25 to 13). These decreases could be attributed to targeted police initiatives or seasonal factors, such as fewer outdoor activities during colder weather. The violent crime category, which constitutes nearly 40% of all incidents, remains high compared to the UK average. Violence and sexual offences in Rothwell (3.7 per 1,000) are 37% above the UK rate (2.7 per 1,000), highlighting a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime in this area. Residents may find the 38% increase in shoplifting (16 incidents) particularly relevant, as this reflects a 38% rise above the UK average and could indicate issues with retail security or increased foot traffic in local high streets.

Compared to September, Rothwell’s crime rate decreased by 10.7%, falling from 10.5 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents—a notable shift that suggests some level of crime reduction efforts may be taking effect. However, this rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, underscoring the area’s continued challenges in maintaining public safety. On a daily basis, Rothwell experienced approximately six crimes per day in October, a figure that, while lower than the previous month, still reflects the area’s elevated crime profile. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime was reported for every 107 residents—a statistic that, while not alarmingly high, illustrates the ongoing need for community engagement and policing strategies. The population of 21,421 residents means that these figures represent a tangible impact on local life, with violent and disorderly crimes affecting the area. This comparison to the UK average is particularly stark in categories such as public order offences (86% above the UK rate) and anti-social behaviour (17% above), which may be exacerbated by the area’s urban density and limited open spaces for community activities. While the decrease in burglary and criminal damage is encouraging, the persistent gap between Rothwell’s crime rates and the UK average—particularly in violent and disorderly categories—remains a concern for residents and local authorities alike.