Bidford-on-Avon Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a concerning shift in Bidford-on-Avon's crime profile, with a sharp increase in violence and sexual offences that rose by 114.3% compared to November. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in both shoplifting and other theft, highlights a need for heightened vigilance during the holiday season. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents—45.1% below the UK average—belies these local spikes, which may be partly explained by seasonal factors such as dark evenings, increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping, and the closure of homes over the holidays. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 53.6% of all crimes, far exceeding their share in the UK average (2.6 per 1,000, 18% below Bidford-on-Avon’s rate). Anti-social behaviour and other crime also featured prominently, though the latter category’s rate (0.4 per 1,000) was 150% above the UK average. This contrast suggests that while the area remains generally safer than the UK overall, targeted issues are emerging. The town’s small, rural character and proximity to Stratford-on-Avon’s cultural amenities may contribute to localized spikes, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or transient populations during the festive period.

December 2024 witnessed a dramatic 114.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, jumping from seven to 15 incidents—a stark departure from the usual pattern. This rise may be linked to seasonal factors such as the holiday season, which often brings heightened social interactions and darker evenings. Other theft also saw a 100% increase, with two incidents reported compared to one in November, raising concerns about opportunistic crime in retail areas. Shoplifting, which had not occurred in the previous month, rose to one incident, potentially tied to increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping. The rate of other crime (0.4 per 1,000) was 150% above the UK average, indicating a localized challenge that warrants attention. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50% (from two to one incident), due to fewer vehicles on the road during the holiday period or increased parking security measures. Residents should remain cautious in high-traffic areas and consider taking additional precautions during the festive season.

The crime rate in Bidford-on-Avon rose by 47% in December 2024 compared to November, moving from 2.7 per 1,000 to 3.9 per 1,000. While this increase is significant, the area still maintains a crime rate that is 45.1% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the local rate translates to approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 254 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while low in absolute terms, underscores the importance of addressing the recent spikes in violent and property-related crimes. The population context further highlights that even with the 47% rise, the area remains comparatively safe, with fewer than four crimes per 1,000 residents. However, the localized increases in violence and theft suggest that specific micro-areas or times may carry higher risks. Residents should consider these figures in the context of their daily routines, particularly during the evenings and in high-traffic zones, to mitigate potential exposure.