Burntwood Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Burntwood's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 31.9% below the UK average of 7.2. This figure reflects a mix of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with violent crimes accounting for nearly half of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 47% of the total, and were 12% below the UK average. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the closure of homes during the holidays—may have influenced patterns such as the sharp increase in burglary and criminal damage, which both doubled compared to November. Despite this, the overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the national average, suggesting that Burntwood's built-up area within Lichfield maintains a relatively secure environment. The data also highlights the underrepresentation of certain crimes, such as anti-social behaviour, which fell by 35.7%, and drugs offences, which were 100% below the UK average. This could be attributed to local initiatives or the area's character as a semi-urban community with limited nightlife or transient populations. The balance between property and violent crimes also reveals a unique profile, with violent offences dominating despite the usual expectation that property crimes might rise during the festive season. This discrepancy may be explained by the area's demographics, with a higher proportion of households prioritizing security measures during holidays. The overall picture illustrates a town that, while not immune to crime spikes, continues to perform below the national benchmark, due to its proximity to Lichfield's broader infrastructure and policing resources.

December 2023 saw a dramatic 100% increase in burglary and criminal damage and arson, with both categories doubling from November's figures. This sharp rise may partly explain the overall 18.3% increase in the area's crime rate compared to the previous month. In contrast, anti-social behaviour fell by 35.7%, and other crime dropped by 20%, indicating a complex shift in criminal activity. Violent crimes, which accounted for 47% of all reported incidents, remain 12% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The significant jump in burglary is particularly notable for residents, as it suggests heightened vulnerability in homes during the holiday season. Meanwhile, other theft rose by 33.3%, possibly linked to increased retail activity and festive shopping. These figures contrast with the 68% reduction in anti-social behaviour, which may reflect stricter enforcement or seasonal factors such as reduced social gatherings. The data also reveals that property crimes, though rising, still constitute a smaller share of the total than violent offences, highlighting a persistent imbalance in the crime mix.

Burntwood's crime rate in December 2023 rose by 18.3% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.2 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still places the area 31.9% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the town experienced roughly five reported crimes each day in December, a figure that may reflect seasonal fluctuations such as increased foot traffic during the Christmas shopping period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 203 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains lower than the UK average when scaled to the population. This statistic suggests that while crime has increased slightly, the overall risk for residents remains comparatively low. The shift from November to December also coincides with darker evenings and holiday-related activities, which may influence crime patterns without necessarily indicating a broader trend. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that Burntwood's crime profile continues to diverge from the national average, with certain categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences showing marked reductions.