Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) recorded a crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 63.9% below the UK average of 7.2. This stark divergence from national trends highlights the area’s unique characteristics, which likely include a smaller population, lower population density, or effective local policing strategies. The crime profile for the month was dominated by property-related offences, which accounted for 7 incidents (46.7% of total crimes), compared to 5 violent crimes (33.3%). This balance between property and violent crime may reflect the area’s built-up nature within a rural district, where retail and community spaces are more accessible but also potentially more visible to law enforcement. Seasonal factors, such as the Christmas shopping peak and the onset of dark evenings, may have contributed to the persistence of property crimes, particularly in the form of shoplifting and other theft. However, the overall low rate of violent crime—66% below the UK average—suggests that the area’s social fabric or environmental design may mitigate opportunities for more severe incidents. The breakdown of crimes further reveals that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were both 46-68% below the UK average, a pattern consistent with the area’s relatively low levels of disorder and community engagement. These figures, when viewed alongside the seasonal context of December, indicate that while the festive period may have introduced minor fluctuations in specific crime types, the overall crime environment in Southwell remains significantly safer than the national average.

December 2023 marked a notable shift in crime patterns, with shoplifting and public order offences each increasing by 100% compared to November. This uptick, while small in absolute terms (one incident each), may reflect the seasonal dynamics of the festive period, such as increased foot traffic in retail areas or the presence of temporary shoppers. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), a drop that could be attributed to reduced parking activity or heightened vigilance during the holiday season. Violent crimes, though remaining at 5 incidents (33.3% of total crimes), were 66% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a stark contrast to national trends. The balance between property and violent crime—property crimes slightly edging out—suggests a local context where community-focused policing or the area’s built-up nature may deter more severe incidents. For residents, the reduction in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, as it directly impacts personal safety and property security.

Southwell’s crime rate in December 2023 fell to 2.6 per 1,000 residents, a 40% decrease from the previous month’s 4.3. This decline places the area well below the UK average, reflecting a sustained trend of low crime levels. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 0 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area within Newark and Sherwood. Monthly exposure data reveals that, over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 387 residents—a statistic that highlights the relatively low risk faced by the local population. When scaled to the area’s population of 5,809, the 15 total crimes reported represent a small fraction of the community’s daily life. This contrast with national averages suggests that local factors—such as community cohesion, policing presence, or the area’s character as a smaller, possibly more closely knit built-up area—may contribute to the sustained reduction in crime. The shift from the previous month’s rate also aligns with seasonal patterns, as the end of the festive period and reduced foot traffic in retail areas may have dampened opportunities for certain types of crime.