Peterborough Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Peterborough, 8.6 crimes were reported in December 2024 — 21.1% higher than the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of encountering a crime in one of every 16 homes, a figure that reflects both the city's urban density and seasonal pressures. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.4% of all crimes, with 719 incidents reported, while anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and criminal damage (8.0%) followed closely. These patterns align with December's unique context: extended evening darkness, heightened retail activity during the Christmas shopping rush, and increased social gatherings that may contribute to higher levels of public disorder. The city's crime profile contrasts with the UK average in several categories, including violence and sexual offences (25% above UK average) and anti-social behaviour (70% above UK average), which may reflect Peterborough's mix of urban centres and residential areas where community tensions occasionally surface. The seasonal context of December — with its mix of festive events and empty homes during holiday periods — likely amplifies certain crime types, particularly property-related offences, though the data shows a slight decrease in burglary (23.3% month-on-month) compared to November. This suggests that while some crime types are influenced by seasonal factors, others may be shaped by more persistent local dynamics.

December 2024 saw a 37.5% increase in bicycle theft compared to November, rising from 8 to 11 incidents. This jump may be linked to the holiday season, when cyclists may store bikes in less secure locations or travel to events with limited parking. Conversely, other crime categories showed declines: other crime fell by 37.0% (73 to 46 incidents), public order offences dropped by 26.8% (142 to 104), and burglary decreased by 23.3% (73 to 56). These reductions could be attributed to seasonal factors, such as shorter evenings and fewer public gatherings. The city's violent crime rate remains elevated, with violence and sexual offences at 3.2 per 1,000 residents — 25% above the UK average. This disparity may reflect Peterborough's urban character, where higher concentrations of nightlife and retail activity create environments conducive to such offences. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 18.2% of all crimes, was 70% above the UK average, a figure that could be influenced by the city's mix of densely populated areas and community spaces where disputes may escalate. Meanwhile, burglary's 23.3% month-on-month decline suggests that targeted police initiatives or seasonal deterrence (such as homes being unoccupied during the holidays) may have had a measurable impact.

Peterborough's December 2024 crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.1% decrease from November's 9.3 per 1,000.1% above the UK average. Over the course of the month, this translated to roughly one reported crime for every 116 residents — a figure that, while significant, is less frequent than the daily average of 62 crimes per day (1925 total crimes over 31 days). When compared to the UK average, Peterborough's crime profile reveals stark differences in specific categories. For instance, violence and sexual offences in Peterborough were 25% higher than the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the city's urban density and the presence of multiple retail and entertainment hubs. Similarly, anti-social behaviour was 70% above the UK average, a figure that could be explained by Peterborough's mix of residential and commercial areas where disputes may arise more frequently. On the other hand, burglary was 3% below the UK average, due to the city's lower proportion of detached homes compared to other UK regions. These comparative insights highlight how Peterborough's unique demographic and geographic profile shapes its crime picture, offering a nuanced perspective beyond raw numbers.