Dronfield Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Dronfield during August 2023 reveals a distinct profile that diverges from the UK average in several key ways. While the overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents is 58% below the national average, the distribution of crime types suggests a particular emphasis on violent and anti-social incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.8% of all crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, with Dronfield’s rate 66% lower. This imbalance may be influenced by local factors such as the area’s built-up nature and the presence of public spaces that attract both residents and visitors. Anti-social behaviour, at 23.9% of total crimes, further highlights a trend towards disorderly conduct, which could be exacerbated by the seasonal dynamics of August, a month often associated with increased social activity and tourism. The relatively low rates of property crime—particularly shoplifting, vehicle crime, and other theft, all of which are 59-68% below the UK average—suggest that the area may have effective measures in place to deter such offences, or that the local economy and retail environment are structured in a way that minimises opportunities for theft. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson, which increased by 60% compared to July, may reflect the impact of seasonal factors, such as the temporary vacancy of homes during the summer holidays, creating opportunities for vandalism. The interplay between these crime types illustrates a community that, while generally safer than the national average, faces unique challenges in managing violent and anti-social incidents. This pattern is consistent with the characteristics of a built-up area within a larger rural region, where urban centres often experience higher rates of certain types of crime compared to surrounding areas. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for local authorities and residents alike, as it informs strategies for maintaining safety and addressing specific vulnerabilities.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with violence and sexual offences rising by 18.8% compared to July, bringing the total to 19 incidents. This increase may be linked to the summer season, when public spaces are more frequently occupied, potentially creating opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, burglary and other theft decreased by 41.7% and 42.9% respectively, suggesting a possible reduction in opportunities for property crime, due to heightened community vigilance or improved security measures. The category of criminal damage and arson increased by 60%, a stark rise from 5 to 8 incidents, which could be associated with seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activities or the presence of unoccupied properties during holiday periods. Dronfield’s rate for anti-social behaviour (0.8 per 1,000) is 44% below the UK average, indicating a relative success in managing disruptive conduct compared to the national context.

Dronfield's crime rate in August 2023 remained stable compared to July, with no significant change in the overall rate (3.4 per 1,000 residents). On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day, a figure that reflects the low overall rate but underscores the continuous presence of criminal activity in the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 299 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure provides a tangible measure for residents to contextualise the risk, though such figures do not account for unreported crimes or variations in local policing effectiveness. The population of 21,206 residents further contextualises these statistics, showing that the crime rate is spread across a moderate-sized built-up area. While the daily and monthly figures are consistent with the area’s historical trends, they also highlight the importance of sustained community engagement and policing efforts to maintain this level of safety.