Rotherham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Rotherham's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.9% above the UK average of 7.0. This figure underscores the area's position as a local authority with a crime profile that diverges from national trends. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.2% and shoplifting at 9.4%. These patterns align with Rotherham's character as a mixed urban-industrial area, where high-street retail and community hubs may contribute to both anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended darkness—likely influences these trends, creating conditions where violence and property crimes are more likely to occur. For instance, the prominence of violence and sexual offences may be partly explained by the increased social interactions and potential for conflict during the festive period. Similarly, shoplifting rates, which are 40% above the UK average, may reflect the higher foot traffic and retail activity typical of December. However, direct causal links, and other factors such as local policing strategies or community engagement efforts may also play a role. The comparison to the UK average highlights the need for targeted interventions in Rotherham, particularly in addressing the elevated rates of violent crime and property offences that persist despite seasonal fluctuations. This context provides a foundation for understanding the area's crime dynamics, while also emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive policing approaches.

December saw an 80% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 5 to 9 incidents, a sharp contrast to the UK average where bicycle theft was 100% below Rotherham's rate. This spike may partly explain by seasonal factors, such as increased festive cycling activity or thefts linked to Christmas decorations. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 21.3%, with incidents dropping from 367 to 289. This decline could reflect the impact of local initiatives targeting public order during the holiday season. Burglary also rose by 23.8%, from 101 to 125, a figure that is 79% above the UK average. This increase may be linked to the seasonal context of empty homes over the holidays, creating opportunities for opportunistic crimes. The contrast between rising burglary rates and falling anti-social behaviour highlights a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes becoming more prominent relative to violent offences.

Rotherham's crime rate in December 2025 remained stable compared to November, with a 1.8% increase from 8.4 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime patterns despite seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 77 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of population and local activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 117 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. When compared to the UK average, Rotherham's rate remains higher, but the stability between months indicates that the area's crime profile has not deviated significantly from its recent trajectory. This context helps residents gauge their risk in relation to both local and national benchmarks, though the higher-than-average rate highlights areas for continued attention.