Burghfield Common Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a continuation of Burghfield Common's historically low crime profile, with an overall crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents — 50.7% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal dynamics and the area's character as a small built-up community within West Berkshire, where crime patterns are shaped by its proximity to rural landscapes and limited commercial density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 47.8% of reported crimes (11 incidents), followed by drugs (13.0%) and criminal damage and arson (13.0%). The seasonal context of December — with its Christmas shopping peak, extended darkness, and temporary empty homes — likely contributes to the balance of crime types, though the area's overall safety remains strikingly consistent with its low baseline. The rate of violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) is 34% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or environmental factors that reduce opportunities for violent crime. However, the rise in drugs-related incidents (3 cases) and the stark 300% above UK average for bicycle theft (1 case) highlight niche vulnerabilities, possibly tied to transient populations or specific local activities. These findings illustrate how even small communities can exhibit distinct crime profiles that diverge from national trends, shaped by both geography and local rhythms.

December 2024 saw significant shifts in Burghfield Common's crime mix, with three categories experiencing 100% increases compared to November: drugs (3 cases, up from 0), bicycle theft (1 case, up from 0), and criminal damage and arson (3 cases, up from 0). These spikes contrast with an 83.3% decline in anti-social behaviour (from 6 to 1 cases) and a 15.4% reduction in violence and sexual offences (from 13 to 11 cases). The drugs-related incidents, now at 0.5 per 1,000 residents, are 108% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may reflect local enforcement practices or transient populations. Conversely, bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000) is 300% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, suggesting a unique vulnerability — possibly tied to the area's commuter demographics or seasonal theft opportunities. The most notable month-on-month change, however, is the 83.3% drop in anti-social behaviour, which could indicate effective interventions or the impact of holiday-related social dynamics reducing incidents. Residents might find the 100% increase in criminal damage and arson particularly concerning, as this category's rate (0.5 per 1,000) is only 6% below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, indicating a relatively balanced position for this type of crime.

Burghfield Common's crime rate in December 2024 (3.5 per 1,000) was a slight decrease of 4.1% from November's 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but consistent trend of stability in the area's safety profile. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day in December, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in even small communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 288 residents — a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, though no direct comparison is available for this metric. With a population of 6,629, the area's low crime rate translates to a highly unusual level of safety: for every 1,000 residents, only 3.5 crimes are reported, compared to the national average of 7.1. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime, where Burghfield Common's rate of 1.7 per 1,000 is 34% below the UK average. However, the area's unique position is also evident in categories like drugs-related crime, where its rate is 108% above the UK average, suggesting that certain local factors — possibly linked to transport routes or transient populations — create pockets of vulnerability. The comparison with the UK average highlights both the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts and the need for targeted interventions in specific areas of concern.