Leek Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Leek’s crime rate stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 25% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure translates to a daily risk of encountering crime at a rate of approximately 4 incidents per day, or one reported crime for every 168 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.6% of all reported incidents—over 59 cases—though this rate (3.2 per 1,000) remained 17% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, with both categories showing rates significantly below national averages. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely contributes to the prominence of violent crimes, as increased foot traffic and social activity in the area may create conditions conducive to such incidents. Property crimes accounted for only 22 of the 110 total crimes, suggesting a shift in the crime profile towards more personal and public order-related offences. This contrasts with other areas where property crime often dominates, indicating that Leek’s built-up character, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, may foster a different crime dynamic. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour, public order, and theft-related crimes may reflect the area’s relatively low population density and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives, though these factors remain speculative without further data. Overall, the crime picture in Leek during September 2023 illustrates a balance between localized spikes in violent crime and sustained below-average trends in other categories, shaped by both seasonal rhythms and the town’s unique demographic profile.

September 2023 saw a 300% increase in shoplifting compared to August, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge aligns with the seasonal influx of university students and the start of the academic term, which may have increased foot traffic in retail areas. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences rose by 22.9%, from 48 to 59 cases, a trend consistent with the return of students and the associated social activity in the area. In contrast, vehicle crime plummeted by 83.3%, declining from 6 to 1 incident, possibly due to reduced summer travel and the start of the academic year, which may have shifted focus away from vehicle-related theft. The category of possession of weapons also saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 1 incident—a stark anomaly that may warrant closer attention. However, the overall crime rate for Leek remained 25% below the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences both registering rates 33% and 19% below national benchmarks, respectively. These discrepancies highlight the area’s distinct crime profile, where violent and sexual offences dominate but are tempered by consistently low rates in other categories. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting serves as a concrete reminder of the need for vigilance in retail spaces during the autumn term.

Leek’s crime rate in September 2023 (6.0 per 1,000) marked a 9.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting a continued trend of declining overall crime. This monthly reduction, combined with the area’s sustained performance below the UK average, underscores a broader pattern of stability in Leek’s crime profile. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 4 reported crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, translates to a tangible risk for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents—a ratio that, when compared to the UK average, illustrates Leek’s relative safety. The population context further highlights the significance of these figures: with 18,433 residents, the 110 total crimes reported represent a relatively low proportion of the population. This is particularly notable in categories such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, where Leek’s rates were 33% and 19% below the UK average, respectively. These figures suggest that the area’s built-up nature, combined with its rural-adjacent setting, may contribute to a crime environment where community cohesion and local policing efforts play a significant role in maintaining lower rates of disorder-related incidents. While the increase in violence and sexual offences remains a concern, the broader context of Leek’s crime statistics indicates a town that, despite localized spikes, continues to perform well against national benchmarks.