Dursley Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dursley's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 39.4% above the UK average of 7.1. This discrepancy underscores the area's distinct position within the national crime profile, particularly when compared to other built-up areas in England and Wales. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.2% of all recorded crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 21.6%, with its rate 110% above the UK average. These patterns align with Dursley's character as a historic town with a compact built-up area, where high foot traffic and social interactions may contribute to the prevalence of such crimes. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may also play a role in shaping these trends. While the overall crime rate reflects a marked deviation from the national norm, the breakdown reveals a complex mix of local factors. For instance, public order offences, which rose sharply to 11 incidents (1.5 per 1,000), may be influenced by the town's proximity to Stroud's broader urban network and the potential for increased gatherings during colder months. Conversely, the rate of criminal damage and arson fell slightly below the UK average, suggesting a possible reduction in vandalism during this period. The data also highlights a notable contrast between property crimes and violent crimes, with the latter dominating the crime mix. This imbalance may be attributed to the area's social fabric, where community interactions and public spaces are more densely used. The UK comparison serves as a critical benchmark, illustrating how Dursley's specific challenges—such as its compact urban layout and historical infrastructure—intersect with broader national trends. While the figures are stark, they offer an opportunity to explore targeted interventions that address the unique dynamics of this built-up area within Stroud.

February 2024 saw a dramatic spike in public order offences, rising from one incident to 11—a 1,000% increase. This surge, coupled with a 200% rise in shoplifting, suggests a shift in crime patterns that may reflect seasonal factors or local events. Violent crimes accounted for 39.2% of total incidents, significantly exceeding the UK average for this category by 56%. Meanwhile, burglary rates fell by 50% compared to the previous month, though they remain 67% below the UK average. The contrast between rising public order offences and falling burglary rates highlights a possible reallocation of criminal activity, potentially linked to the area's built-up character and winter-month dynamics. For residents, the 200% increase in shoplifting—now at 6 incidents—may raise concerns about retail security in the town's commercial centres.

Dursley's crime rate in February 2024 rose to 9.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 60.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.2. This shift positions the area as one of the UK's most crime-affected built-up areas, with the overall rate 39.4% above the national average. Locally, this translates to approximately three crimes reported daily over the 29-day period, a frequency that may concern residents accustomed to lower levels of activity. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure equates to one reported crime for roughly every 101 residents, a statistic that highlights the relative density of incidents in this mid-sized town. While the UK average crime rate includes a broader mix of urban and rural areas, Dursley's built-up character—characterised by its historic core and retail corridors—likely amplifies the visibility of certain crime types, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The contrast between Dursley's current rate and the previous month's figures underscores the volatility of crime trends in this area, particularly in the context of seasonal lulls and local events.