Dronfield Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dronfield’s crime profile in May 2023 reveals a striking anomaly: a 260% surge in burglaries, which overshadowed other trends. The area’s overall crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents remains 36.3% below the UK average, but the sharp rise in property crime raises questions. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.3% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22%) and burglary (16.5%). This mix contrasts with the UK average, where anti-social behaviour is more prevalent (1.3 per 1,000 vs Dronfield’s 1.1 per 1,000). The seasonal context of May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to some patterns, though the burglary spike appears unexplained by typical factors like retail activity or transit usage. Violent crime, however, was lower than the UK average, with 33 cases (1.6 per 1,000) compared to the national rate of 2.8 per 1,000. This divergence may reflect the area’s character as a built-up town with fewer high-density populations than major urban centres. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences both fell, possibly due to targeted policing or seasonal shifts in consumer behaviour. The data underscores the importance of distinguishing local trends from national averages, as Dronfield’s profile is shaped by its specific geography and demographics.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 260% increase in burglary cases, rising from five to 18 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with a 66.7% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from six to two cases. The surge in burglaries, now 190% above the UK average, stands out as a significant departure from usual patterns. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 53.8% (13 to 6 cases), and public order offences fell by 37.5% (8 to 5). Anti-social behaviour, however, remained a persistent issue, contributing 22% of all crimes. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category (30.3% of total crimes), were 42% below the UK average. These shifts suggest a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with the burglary spike possibly linked to increased property vulnerability during warmer evenings.

Dronfield’s crime rate in May 2023 rose by 11.3% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.6 to 5.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the area remains 36.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the town recorded an average of four crimes per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a steady but manageable pace. Monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 195 residents, a figure that contextualises the impact of crime on the local population. This monthly aggregate highlights that, despite the rise, the overall risk to individuals remains relatively low compared to national benchmarks. The fluctuation may align with seasonal patterns, such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, which can influence crime dynamics in built-up areas. However, the absence of a daily comparison to UK figures means the local context must be interpreted independently.