Burntwood Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 saw Burntwood's overall crime rate remain at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 40.8% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This consistent performance places Burntwood among the safer built-up areas in England, though the data reveals a complex mix of crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.3% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting (13.5%) and anti-social behaviour (8.7%). These figures align with patterns typical of medium-sized urban centres where retail activity and public spaces contribute to specific crime risks. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evening darkness, and the temporary absence of some residents during holiday periods—likely influenced both the volume and type of crimes recorded. For example, the 13.5% share of shoplifting crimes may be partially explained by the increased foot traffic in retail areas during the festive season, though this was offset by a 41.2% decrease in vehicle crime, potentially linked to reduced car usage during the holiday period. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.2 per 1,000) suggest that the built-up nature of Burntwood, with its mix of residential and commercial properties, may provide some natural deterrence to these crimes. However, the 100% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average raises questions about local vulnerabilities, tied to the presence of cycling infrastructure or unsecured parking areas. These patterns highlight the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific characteristics of Burntwood, including its role as a built-up area within Lichfield and its proximity to larger urban centres.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in December 2024 was the 300% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This spike contrasts sharply with the 41.2% decrease in vehicle crime, which fell from 17 to 10 cases. The breakdown of crime types reveals a notable divergence from UK averages: violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) are 34% below the UK average, while bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) is exactly 100% above the national rate of 0.1 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 8.7% of all crimes, is 57% below the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. These variations suggest that local factors—such as the proximity of Burntwood to Lichfield's urban core and its own retail centres—may influence specific crime patterns. A resident would find the 41.2% drop in vehicle crime particularly noteworthy, as it suggests potential effectiveness of recent traffic management initiatives in reducing opportunities for such offences.

Burntwood's December 2024 crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents represents a 3.0% decrease from November's 4.3 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns seen in built-up areas during winter, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours may temporarily suppress certain types of crime. Daily crime statistics show an average of 4 crimes reported each day in December, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 126 crimes as relatively manageable for a population of 30,283. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 240 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK average for similar-sized built-up areas. This statistic provides a tangible reference for residents assessing their personal risk, though individual experiences may vary based on localised factors such as proximity to retail hubs or transport links.