Biddulph Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

August 2024 marked a continuation of Biddulph’s historically lower crime profile compared to the UK average, with a recorded rate of 6.0 crimes per 1,000 residents — 26.8% below the national figure of 8.2. This performance places the area in the safer end of the UK spectrum for crime. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 54.6% of all reported crimes (53 cases), significantly outpacing the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour followed with 15 incidents (15.5% of total), while criminal damage and arson contributed 8 cases (8.3%). Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with August being a peak holiday month. This period typically sees increased tourism, which may coincide with heightened activity in public spaces, though the area’s overall crime levels remain lower than national benchmarks. The absence of major property crime (only 5 burglaries) contrasts with the UK’s higher rates for such offences, suggesting that Biddulph’s built-up character — possibly including community cohesion or effective local policing — may contribute to its comparatively low property crime rates. The data also indicates that while violent crime remains a focal point, its incidence is not proportionally higher than expected for a small built-up area within a rural district. This balance between local dynamics and broader UK trends highlights the importance of contextualising crime statistics within the specific geography and social fabric of Biddulph.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in the drugs category, which saw a 100% increase from zero to one reported incident, and in 'other crime', which rose from zero to two. This spike in previously unrecorded categories may reflect either improved reporting mechanisms or transient factors such as temporary gatherings. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 36.4% (from 11 to 15 incidents), a rise that could be linked to the summer season’s social activity. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 60% (from five to two cases), a decline that might align with increased retail security measures or seasonal changes in consumer behaviour. Public order offences dropped by 30% (from 10 to seven). Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, with a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 — 23% above the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000). This divergence from the national trend underscores the area’s unique dynamics, particularly in relation to violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 37% below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), suggesting that local initiatives or community engagement efforts may be mitigating such incidents. The overall crime mix also shows a strong emphasis on violent crime over property crime, with 53 violent incidents compared to 19 property crimes, a ratio that contrasts with the UK’s more balanced distribution. These figures provide a nuanced picture of Biddulph’s crime profile, where violent crime remains a priority for local authorities despite the area’s overall safety compared to national averages.

Biddulph’s crime rate in August 2024 rose by 7.8% compared to the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of three crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 97 incidents in a localised timeframe. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 168 residents illustrates the relatively low frequency of crime in Biddulph. This metric, while specific to the area, offers a tangible way for residents to understand the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The increase from 5.5 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents is modest, particularly when contrasted with the UK average of 8.2, which remains significantly higher. The area’s population size — 16,296 — also plays a role in shaping crime statistics, as smaller communities often see more pronounced variations in crime rates compared to larger urban centres. While the 7.8% increase may raise questions about potential local factors, the overall crime rate remains firmly in the safer tier of UK comparisons. This suggests that any shifts in crime patterns are likely minor and within the bounds of normal fluctuation for a built-up area within a rural district. The combination of a low crime rate and a manageable daily incident count reinforces Biddulph’s position as a relatively safe place to live, despite the month-on-month increase.