Rotherham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Rotherham’s crime rate in February 2024 was 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 12.7% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for local authorities, though it is tempered by the month-on-month decline from 8.4 in January. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.4% of all reported crimes. This high proportion is consistent with Rotherham’s demographic profile, which includes areas with significant social housing and younger populations, factors that may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 15.7%, a rate 24% above the UK average, likely linked to the area’s urban density and potential challenges in community cohesion. Public order offences also stood out, with a rate 43% above the national average, possibly influenced by the proximity of nightlife venues or the impact of winter weather on public spaces. Seasonal context plays a role in these figures: February, as a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, may suppress certain types of crime while amplifying others, such as anti-social behaviour indoors. The data also highlights a marked contrast in local performance against the UK average for specific categories, with shoplifting and bicycle theft significantly lower than national levels. This discrepancy may be attributed to Rotherham’s retail environment, which could include a higher proportion of small, independently owned shops with robust security measures, or the presence of dedicated bicycle parking infrastructure. While the overall rate remains elevated, the month-on-month decline and some categories performing below the UK average suggest that targeted interventions or environmental factors may be contributing to a more nuanced crime picture in Rotherham.

The most striking month-on-month change in February 2024 was the 44.2% increase in drugs-related offences, rising from 43 to 62 incidents. This surge contrasts sharply with the 33.3% drop in theft from the person, which fell from six to four cases, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest category, accounting for 36.4% of all crimes, a rate 16% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also exceeded national benchmarks, with anti-social behaviour 24% above the UK average. Meanwhile, shoplifting and bicycle theft were below the UK average, with shoplifting at 26% lower and bicycle theft at 100% lower, suggesting effective local initiatives or environmental factors in retail areas. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local conditions and national trends in shaping Rotherham’s crime profile.

Rotherham's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a 4.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.4. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in winter months, where lower outdoor activity may contribute to a temporary lull in certain crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 76 crimes per day, reflecting the month’s overall volume. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. When compared to the UK average, Rotherham’s crime rate remains higher, but the month-on-month decline suggests potential stabilisation in policing efforts or community interventions. The population context further underscores that while the rate is elevated, the absolute number of crimes is influenced by Rotherham’s size and demographic profile, which may include areas with higher concentrations of social housing or economic vulnerability.