Shiney Row and Penshaw Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Shiney Row and Penshaw’s December 2023 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 12.5% decrease from November’s 5.4 per 1,000, reflecting seasonal dynamics common in built-up areas during winter. The area’s overall rate of 4.8 per 1,000—33.3% below the UK average of 7.2—underscores its relatively low exposure to crime compared to national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.1% of all crimes, with a rate of 1.6 per 1,000—39% below the UK average of 2.6. This suggests that local factors, such as community policing or demographic characteristics, may be contributing to the lower incidence of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained a persistent issue, exceeding the UK average by 18% (1.1 per 1,000 vs. 0.9 per 1,000). The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, party season, and reduced daylight—likely influenced the crime mix, with property crimes (27 incidents) accounting for 29.7% of total offences. This contrasts with the higher proportion of violent crimes, which may be linked to the area’s demographic profile, including a mix of residential and commercial zones. The decline in public order offences by 62.5% compared to November could be attributed to the timing of Christmas, when public gatherings are often limited. These patterns highlight the combination of local conditions, seasonal factors, and broader national trends in crime statistics.

December saw a stark shift in crime trends, with drug-related offences surging by 300% compared to November, jumping from one to four incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may partly reflect increased social activity during the festive season or shifts in law enforcement focus. Conversely, public order offences fell by 62.5%, from eight to three, possibly linked to reduced public gatherings as Christmas approached. The area’s violent crime rate remained below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 1.6 per 1,000—39% lower than the national figure. However, anti-social behaviour exceeded UK averages by 18%, highlighting persistent challenges in managing disruptive conduct. For residents, the 300% increase in drugs-related crimes may signal a need for local awareness, though the overall crime rate remains well below national benchmarks. The decline in vehicle crime by 57.1% (from seven to three) could reflect reduced foot traffic in commercial areas during the holiday season, a pattern consistent with other built-up areas during winter months.

The 12.5% decrease in Shiney Row and Penshaw’s crime rate from 5.4 per 1,000 in November to 4.8 per 1,000 in December 2023 aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in built-up areas during winter months. With 91 crimes recorded over 31 days, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day—a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 210 residents, a metric that reflects the spread of incidents across a population of nearly 19,000. This monthly aggregate underscores that while the rate remains well below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, the impact is distributed across the community. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that the area’s crime profile is influenced by specific categories, such as anti-social behaviour and drugs, which deviate from UK averages. These patterns suggest that local factors—such as community engagement or targeted policing—may be shaping outcomes distinct from broader national trends. The built-up nature of the area, with its mix of residential and commercial zones, likely contributes to the interplay between crime types and seasonal fluctuations.