Monthly Crime Statistics

Rotherham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Rotherham recorded a crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents, 8.3% above the UK average. Robbery rates rose by 23.8%, indicating a notable shift in crime patterns during the festive season.

2,166
Total Crimes
7.8
Per 1,000 People
7.2
UK Average
-4.7%
vs Previous Month

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Rotherham’s crime rate for December 2023 was 7.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 8.3% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This deviation from the national trend underscores the unique challenges faced by Rotherham, a mid-sized urban district with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. The most prevalent crime types in December were violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and vehicle crime, which together accounted for 58.3% of all reported incidents. The prominence of violent crime, particularly at 3.0 per 1,000, may be influenced by the area’s social infrastructure, including the presence of multiple community centres and support services that could inadvertently increase the visibility of such crimes. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.1 per 1,000, also stood out as a significant concern, linked to the festive season’s impact on public spaces and the increased use of alcohol in social settings. Vehicle crime, which rose to 0.6 per 1,000, may be attributed to the high density of car parks and the presence of older vehicles in residential areas, which are more vulnerable to theft. These patterns are consistent with the seasonal context of December, which brings extended periods of darkness, the peak of Christmas shopping, and the logistical challenges of managing temporary retail spaces. The interplay of these factors—along with the area’s population distribution—likely contributes to the observed crime trends, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct causal links.

December 2023 saw a 23.8% increase in robbery cases, with the number rising from 21 to 26. This sharp rise aligns with the seasonal context of increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping and the presence of unattended packages, which may have created opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, there was a 29.5% decrease in 'other crime' reports, a category that includes a wide range of non-specific offences, suggesting a potential reduction in unclassified incidents or improved reporting efficiency. The rate of violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences—remained elevated, sitting 15% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000. This disparity may be influenced by the area’s demographics and the concentration of social services in Rotherham, which could contribute to higher visibility of such crimes. Meanwhile, vehicle crime increased by 33% compared to the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area’s reliance on public transport and the presence of older vehicles in residential zones.

Rotherham's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, a 4.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.2 per 1,000. This slight decline suggests a possible stabilisation in criminal activity following the peak of the holiday season. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 70 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of reported incidents across Rotherham’s population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a metric that provides context for the frequency of crime relative to the local population. This monthly exposure rate, while higher than the UK average, highlights the need for continued vigilance and community-focused policing strategies. The reduction in crime compared to November may be linked to the closure of temporary retail spaces and the winding down of festive events, which could have reduced opportunities for certain types of crime.

Crime Breakdown - December 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences817337.7%
Anti-social behaviour3031.114%
Vehicle crime1640.67.6%
Criminal damage and arson1590.67.3%
Public order1570.67.3%
Other theft1470.56.8%
Burglary1420.56.6%
Shoplifting1110.45.1%
Other crime550.22.5%
Drugs460.22.1%
Possession of weapons270.11.3%
Robbery260.11.2%
Theft from the person800.4%
Bicycle theft400.2%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Rotherham

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 11 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month