Kingswood and Fishponds Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Kingswood and Fishponds recorded a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents in February 2024, precisely matching the UK average. This figure, while stable, masks significant shifts in the types of crime reported. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44% of all incidents, far outpacing their 24% share in the UK average. This overrepresentation may be linked to the area’s dense urban fabric, where high-density housing and proximity to transport hubs could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Shoplifting, at 0.6 per 1,000, also exceeded the UK average by 11%, reflecting the presence of retail centres or high-footfall areas that attract opportunistic thieves. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 33% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may be explained by local policing strategies or community-led initiatives that have reduced disruptive activity. February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, saw a pre-spring lull in some crime categories, though this was offset by spikes in bicycle theft and drug-related incidents. The seasonal context—characterised by reduced daylight hours and colder temperatures—likely influenced crime patterns, with some offences (such as anti-social behaviour) declining and others (like shoplifting) persisting due to the need for indoor retail activity. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with violent crime remaining the dominant category. This dynamic underscores the need for tailored approaches that address the specific vulnerabilities of a built-up area within South Gloucestershire, where urban density and transport networks shape both opportunities and risks for criminal activity.

February 2024 saw a dramatic 160% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 5 to 13 incidents. This surge likely reflects seasonal factors, as colder weather may have driven more people to use bikes for commuting or exercise in enclosed spaces. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 66.7%, dropping from 3 to 1 incidents—a sharp decline that could indicate improved lighting or increased community vigilance in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences remained 24% above the UK average, with 490 incidents reported. This category's dominance—accounting for 44% of all crimes—suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of public spaces or social hubs. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 33% below the UK average, due to local initiatives or community engagement efforts that have reduced disruptive incidents. The 50% rise in drug-related crimes also warrants attention, though the small absolute increase (from 10 to 15) may not yet signal a broader trend.

Kingswood and Fishponds' crime rate in February 2024 rose by 9.1% compared to January's 6.5 per 1,000, reaching the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, 38 crimes were reported each day in February—a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. When scaled to the population of 156,958, this translates to one reported crime for every 141 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is a useful metric for understanding risk, it does not capture the full picture of how crime is distributed across different areas or demographics within the built-up zone. The rise in violent crime, in particular, may indicate seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings during colder weather. However, the overall rate remains aligned with national averages, suggesting no significant deviation from broader UK trends.