Bourne Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bourne’s December 2023 crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 55.6% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, marking one of the most significant disparities in the national crime profile. This figure, which is more than half the UK rate, reflects a broader trend of low crime levels in the built-up area. The most common crime category in December was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.9% of all reported incidents.4 per 1,000 remains 47% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The second most frequent category was criminal damage and arson, which rose sharply in December but still remained 7% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed, contributing 16.1% of total crimes, a rate that was 46% below the national figure. These patterns suggest a community where violent crime is underrepresented compared to the UK context, while property-related crimes such as shoplifting and burglary are significantly lower than the national average. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the closure of some businesses—may have contributed to these trends. For instance, the sharp drop in shoplifting (from nine to two incidents) could be attributed to reduced retail activity and fewer opportunities for theft in closed stores. Conversely, the increase in criminal damage and arson may reflect the challenges of maintaining festive decorations in cold weather, which could lead to more incidents of property damage. These findings highlight the combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with Bourne’s crime profile shaped by its unique demographic and geographic characteristics. The relatively low overall crime rate, combined with the significant underrepresentation of certain categories compared to the UK average, underscores the area’s distinct position within the national crime profile.

December 2023 saw a 71.4% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from seven to 12 incidents. This surge may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased festive decorations and the potential for property damage during cold weather. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 77.8%, from nine to two incidents, possibly due to reduced retail activity during the Christmas period and fewer opportunities for theft in closed stores. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime category, fell by 38.1% compared to November, though they remain 47% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This contrast highlights the area’s lower violent crime profile relative to the national context. Public order offences also rose by 50.0%, a shift that may reflect increased community gatherings during the holiday season. These month-on-month changes underscore the dynamic nature of crime patterns in Bourne, with seasonal and local factors playing a key role in shaping trends.

Bourne’s December 2023 crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents marks a 32.0% decrease from November’s 4.7 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of declining crime in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 311 residents, a figure that contextualises the low frequency of incidents within the local population. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day, a rate that aligns with the broader pattern of reduced activity during the holiday season. This monthly exposure figure is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, which stands at 7.2 per 1,000. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the area’s relative safety, with residents experiencing a crime rate that is more than half the national average. The drop in overall crime may also be influenced by seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas during Christmas and the closure of some businesses over the holiday period, which could limit opportunities for certain types of crime.