Great Shelford and Stapleford Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 brought a 10.5% increase in the crime rate for Great Shelford and Stapleford, rising to 3.2 per 1,000 residents—still 55.6% below the UK average of 7.2. This built-up area within South Cambridgeshire, characterized by its relatively low population density and likely strong community networks, saw violent crimes dominate the crime picture, accounting for 52.4% of all reported incidents. The seasonal context of December—marked by extended evenings, Christmas shopping, and holiday celebrations—likely influenced these patterns, with dark conditions and increased foot traffic potentially contributing to higher rates of certain offences. Violence and sexual offences remained 35% below the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the area’s generally safer environment, though the sharp rise in burglary and criminal damage—both doubling from November—demands closer attention. Property crimes, though lower in volume (6 incidents), accounted for 28.6% of the total, underscoring the need for targeted measures in residential areas. The overall crime rate, while modest, shows a marked seasonal fluctuation consistent with other UK towns during the festive period, where increased social activity and temporary absences from homes may create conditions for property-related crimes. This data illustrates a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and crime prevention efforts, with the area’s low population density and community engagement likely playing a role in mitigating broader UK trends.

December 2023 marked sharp increases in burglary (+200%) and criminal damage and arson (+200%), both rising from one to three incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, highlights vulnerabilities in property security during the holiday season. Public order offences also doubled, potentially linked to increased social gatherings and festivities. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by two-thirds, a drop that may reflect seasonal changes in community activity or effective local interventions. Violent crimes remained significantly below the UK average (35% lower), with 11 incidents recorded—over half of all crimes—suggesting that while certain areas of the crime picture worsened, others showed marked improvement. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas prone to burglary and property damage, as these spikes could indicate emerging trends requiring attention.

The crime rate in Great Shelford and Stapleford rose by 10.5% in December 2023 compared to the previous month, climbing from 2.9 to 3.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during a period marked by seasonal factors such as extended evenings and holiday-related activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of one reported crime per day over the 31-day month, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 316 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area well below the UK average when scaled to population size. With a population of 6,641, the area’s small size and likely strong community ties may contribute to this lower exposure, though the rise in certain crime types suggests the need for continued vigilance during peak seasonal periods.