Locking Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Locking’s crime rate in January 2024 remained exceptionally low at 3.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 59.5% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, reflects a built-up area within North Somerset that has historically maintained lower crime levels compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent category of crime was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 62.5% of all reported incidents—10 cases in total. This category’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000 was 27% below the UK average, a disparity that may partly explain Locking’s overall underperformance relative to national trends. Other theft followed closely, contributing 12.5% of the total, while public order offences, drugs, and vehicle crime each accounted for 6.3% of reported crimes. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these patterns; January’s post-holiday period, reduced retail activity, and shorter days may have contributed to the low volume of property-related crimes typically associated with busier months. The absence of significant spikes in theft or burglary—categories often linked to increased foot traffic or commercial activity—suggests that Locking’s crime profile remains shaped by local dynamics rather than broader seasonal trends.

Violence and sexual offences surged by 100% in January 2024, rising from five to ten incidents. This sharp increase, though still 27% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, stands out as the most dramatic month-on-month shift. Other theft also doubled, moving from one to two incidents, while drugs-related crimes appeared for the first time in the month. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, dropping from two to one incident. The dominance of violent crime in Locking’s January tally—accounting for 62.5% of all reported crimes—contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 27% of the total. For residents, the 100% increase in violent crime is a stark reminder of the area’s vulnerability to sudden spikes in specific categories, despite its overall low crime profile.

Locking’s crime rate in January 2024 rose by 77.6% compared to December’s 1.7 per 1,000, reaching 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, remains 59.5% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in January, a figure that, while low, reflects the month’s volatility. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 331 residents, underscoring the relatively sparse nature of criminal activity in Locking. This monthly exposure rate, when contextualised against the area’s population of 5,299, highlights the rarity of crime in a built-up area typically characterised by lower rates. The shift from December to January may be influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours.