Biddulph Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Biddulph’s overall crime rate for December 2023 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 31.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This figure places the built-up area within the Staffordshire Moorlands among the safer regions in the country. The breakdown of reported crimes reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences accounted for 51.9% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.4%). The prominence of violent crime, despite the overall low rate, may be influenced by seasonal factors such as the Christmas period, which often brings increased social interaction and potential for conflict. Conversely, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime were lower than UK averages, with burglary at 43% below and vehicle crime at 56% below. This could reflect the area’s rural-adjacent character, where fewer high-density residential zones and commercial hubs may reduce opportunities for such crimes. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, empty homes during holiday periods, and heightened retail activity—likely contributes to the mix of crime types observed, with violence and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol-fuelled incidents during festive gatherings. While the area’s crime profile remains relatively stable, the persistent focus on violent offences suggests a need for targeted community initiatives to address underlying factors.

December 2023 saw a notable 62.5% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 8 to 13 incidents. This surge may be linked to the festive season, where heightened social activity and gatherings can exacerbate such issues. However, several categories demonstrated significant declines: public order offences fell by 85.7% (from 7 to 1), drugs-related crimes dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and burglary incidents decreased by 57.1% (from 7 to 3). These reductions may reflect the impact of seasonal factors, such as shorter evenings and fewer opportunities for public disorder, or the effectiveness of local policing efforts during the holiday period. Violent crimes, while remaining the most frequent category, were 5% below the UK average, with a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 compared to the national figure of 2.6 per 1,000. This slight discrepancy could be attributed to Biddulph’s smaller population and lower exposure to urban-specific risk factors. Conversely, possession of weapons saw a 100% increase, with one incident reported in December compared to none in November—a concerning development that may warrant further investigation. Residents may find the 56% reduction in vehicle crime particularly reassuring, as this category was 0.5 per 1,000 in the UK compared to just 0.2 per 1,000 in Biddulph, highlighting the area’s relative safety in this regard.

Biddulph’s crime rate in December 2023 (4.9 per 1,000) represented a 2.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.0 per 1,000. This small but consistent decline aligns with the area’s broader trend of maintaining lower crime levels than the national average. On a daily basis, the local figure of roughly three crimes reported each day provides a tangible snapshot of the area’s crime exposure, though this must be contextualised within the population of 16,296 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 206 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure figure, while illustrative, does not account for variations in reporting rates or demographic factors that may influence crime perception. When compared to the UK average, Biddulph’s performance in several categories stands out: anti-social behaviour was 14% below the national average, and shoplifting was 80% below, indicating a strong community focus on maintaining order. However, the area’s rate for criminal damage and arson was 7% above the UK average, a minor anomaly that may reflect local environmental factors or specific incidents requiring further analysis. These comparative metrics highlight Biddulph’s unique position as a built-up area within a rural district, where the interplay of community engagement and geographic isolation shapes the crime profile in ways distinct from more densely populated regions.