Kingswood and Fishponds Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 saw a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in Kingswood and Fishponds, placing the area 5.6% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a balanced but distinct profile, with violent crimes (462) outpacing property crimes (372) by a significant margin. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 43.9% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (12.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.4%). This stark contrast between violent and property crime rates may partly explain the area’s position relative to the UK average, where violent crime rates are typically higher. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, empty homes during the festive period, and heightened retail activity—likely contributes to the elevated levels of violence and public order offences. Shoplifting rates, for instance, surged 40% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased foot traffic in local high streets and the timing of Christmas shopping. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell 36% below the UK average, reflecting community-focused initiatives or the area’s relatively stable social fabric. These patterns suggest a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the built environment, with the town’s mix of residential and commercial zones creating unique crime dynamics.

December 2024 marked notable shifts in crime trends, with possession of weapons rising by 120% (from 5 to 11 incidents) and robbery increasing by 16.7% (from 12 to 14). These jumps, though modest in absolute terms, highlight emerging concerns in the area. Conversely, theft from the person dropped sharply by 66.7% (from 6 to 2), while bicycle theft and drug-related offences each fell by 50%. The violent crime rate (2.9 per 1,000) was 13% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the area’s higher concentration of public spaces and nightlife activity. Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 40% above the UK average, possibly driven by the proximity of retail hubs and the timing of festive sales. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained 36% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement strategies. For residents, the most immediate insight is the sharp decline in theft from the person, which could indicate improved security measures or heightened public awareness during the holiday season.

The crime rate in Kingswood and Fishponds remained stable from November 2024 (6.8 per 1,000) to December 2024 (6.7 per 1,000), reflecting a -1.5% decrease that suggests continuity in local policing efforts. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 34 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while not extreme, underscores the persistent nature of local crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 149 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in the mid-range of UK built-up areas. With a population of 156,958, the 1,052 total crimes equate to a 0.67% incidence rate, indicating that the majority of residents remain unaffected by crime. This stability is notable given the area’s seasonal challenges, including dark evenings and the temporary displacement of residents during the festive period. The relatively low exposure rate, despite the above-average violent crime rate, may reflect the area’s effective integration of community resources and targeted interventions to mitigate harm.