Rushden Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2024, Rushden recorded 279 crimes across its population of 31,371 residents, translating to a crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 people—25.4% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure equates to roughly one crime for every 112 residents over the course of the month, underscoring the area's elevated risk profile compared to national standards. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.9% of all incidents (89 cases), followed by shoplifting (23.3%, 65 cases) and anti-social behaviour (16.9%, 47 cases). These patterns align with Rushden's status as a built-up area within North Northamptonshire, where commercial activity and population density likely contribute to higher rates of property and violent crime. The winter month context may also play a role, as February typically sees reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull that could influence crime patterns. Shoplifting was 289% above the UK average, a stark discrepancy that may reflect the area's retail infrastructure and potential vulnerabilities in local policing strategies. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences showed marked increases compared to UK averages, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in community spaces. The data also highlights the area's relatively low rates of burglary and other theft categories, which fall below UK averages by 33% and 45% respectively—indicating effective security measures or lower incidence of residential crime in this part of Northamptonshire. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft (200% increase) and the 50% surge in burglary suggest emerging challenges that may require renewed focus. Seasonal factors, such as the low outdoor activity typical of winter, may have contributed to the concentration of crimes in indoor spaces, including retail outlets and public areas. The overall crime rate, while stable compared to the previous month, remains significantly higher than the national average, necessitating continued attention to local crime prevention strategies.

February 2024 saw a 200% increase in bicycle theft, jumping from one to three incidents—a sharp rise that may reflect changes in local cycling trends or theft hotspots. Burglary also rose by 50%, from four to six incidents, though this remains below the UK average for the category. Public order offences increased by 37.5%, with 11 reports, indicating a potential uptick in community tensions or events. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 85.7%, from seven to one incident, a decline that could signal improved policing or reduced illicit activity. Shoplifting remained starkly disproportionate, with 65 cases reported—289% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This highlights a specific vulnerability in local retail environments, likely tied to the area's commercial activity and foot traffic patterns. The contrast between rising property crimes and falling violent offences suggests shifting dynamics in criminal behaviour during the winter months.

Rushden's February 2024 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 1.0% increase from the previous month's 8.8 per 1,000. Daily crime figures show an average of 10 reported crimes per day in February, a rate that reflects the area's persistent challenges with localised criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in this built-up area. With a population of 31,371, this translates to a higher-than-average concentration of incidents compared to the UK as a whole. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Rushden's crime profile is more intense than the national average, particularly in property and violent crime categories. While the overall rate remained stable, the shift in specific crime types—such as the 200% surge in bicycle theft—suggests evolving patterns that may relate to local factors like seasonal activity or changes in community engagement.