Monthly Crime Statistics

Rotherham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Rotherham's crime rate in May 2023 reached 9.6 per 1,000, 20% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences surged 26% above UK rates, while bicycle theft jumped 700% month-on-month.

2,645
Total Crimes
9.6
Per 1,000 People
8
UK Average
+7.5%
vs Previous Month

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Rotherham's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 9.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 20% increase above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's distinct position within national crime trends, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.6% of all incidents—26% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 15.1% of total crimes, while public order offences, at 10.6%, were 52% above the national rate. These patterns align with Rotherham's urban character, where densely populated areas and community hubs may contribute to higher reports of disruptive behaviour. Seasonal factors, including May's extended evenings and bank holidays, likely amplified outdoor socialising and drinking, creating conditions conducive to public order issues. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, may also reflect localized pressures such as economic hardship or demographic imbalances, though these connections remain speculative without further data. The crime mix shows a stark contrast between property and violent crime, with the latter dominating at 36.6% of total incidents. This imbalance could indicate a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas or populations. The overall rate, while elevated, must be contextualised within Rotherham's specific social and geographical dynamics, which differ from broader UK trends.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 700% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 2 to 16 incidents. This sharp rise, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as warmer weather and increased cycling activity. Public order offences also climbed by 26.2%, reaching 279 incidents—52% above the UK average. This category's significant disparity with national figures suggests localized pressures, potentially linked to Rotherham's urban character and May's longer evenings. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 53.3%, dropping from 15 to 7 cases, a decline that could indicate improved policing or reduced opportunities in high-traffic areas. Burglary rates remained 61% above the UK average, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in residential areas despite a slight decrease in overall property crime. These shifts illustrate the combination of seasonal trends and local conditions in shaping crime patterns.

Rotherham's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 7.5% increase from the previous month's 8.9 per 1,000. This places the area consistently above the UK average, which stood at 8.0 per 1,000. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 105 residents, translating to approximately 85 crimes per day across the district. With a population of 276,595, this monthly exposure highlights the frequency of incidents in a relatively densely populated region. The daily crime count, while local-specific, underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies. Comparatively, the rise from April to May suggests a seasonal pattern influenced by May's extended evenings and bank holidays, which may encourage more outdoor activity and socialising. These factors could contribute to increased reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though direct causation remains unproven without further analysis.

Crime Breakdown - May 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences9693.536.6%
Anti-social behaviour3981.415.1%
Public order279110.6%
Criminal damage and arson2170.88.2%
Other theft1650.66.2%
Vehicle crime1390.55.3%
Shoplifting1350.55.1%
Burglary1310.55%
Other crime970.43.7%
Drugs450.21.7%
Possession of weapons320.11.2%
Bicycle theft160.10.6%
Robbery150.10.6%
Theft from the person700.3%

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