While Christmas is often celebrated as the most joyous time of the year, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. From financial stress to family tensions, the festive season isn’t always a smooth ride. Unfortunately, crime often adds to the list of concerns during this time.
Winter’s darker evenings and harsh weather provide the perfect cover for criminals, making it easier for trespassers and burglars to operate unnoticed. Meanwhile, bustling Christmas crowds create opportunities for pickpockets and shoplifters to strike, potentially impacting businesses when they are trying to make the most of the holiday rush.
At Guard Mark Security, we’ve spent years protecting businesses during this crucial season and beyond. Drawing from our extensive experience in the security industry, we understand the patterns of crime and the risks they pose to businesses during the festive period. Discover more about the most dangerous areas in England and Wales and how proactive security can safeguard your operations
In this blog, we’ll discuss the key statistics around crime during Christmas, explain why it’s a growing concern for businesses across various sectors, and discuss how you can safeguard your business during this busy season.
How We Collected Christmas Crime Data
For this article, we analysed the most recent data from the Police Data repository, covering crime rates for 2022, along with reports from trusted independent data sources. This helps us present an accurate picture of crime during Christmas.
Our focus is on the fourth quarter of the year, commonly referred to as the “golden quarter” for retailers. This period, spanning from October to December, includes the festive season and captures critical trends that businesses face during their busiest months.
7 Eye-Opening Statistics about Christmas Crime
Let’s take a closer look at some key statistics on crime during the festive season and explore steps you can take to protect your business effectively.
1- Shoplifting Peaks during Christmas
The festive season is often a financially stressful time for many, with the added costs of gifts, meals, and decorations. Unfortunately, this financial strain leads to a surge in shoplifting incidents.
In the last three months of 2022, a staggering 100,200 shoplifting cases were recorded across England and Wales. This marked a sharp 24.7% increase compared to the previous quarter (July to September) and exceeded the next highest period (January to March) by over 17,900 cases.
Regionally, London experienced the most shoplifting incidents during this time, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 12,705 cases. West Yorkshire followed with 5,583 offences, and the West Midlands reported 5,576 incidents, rounding out the top three most affected areas.
2- Robberies Also See a Seasonal Spike
While Christmas is a time of giving for many, it also becomes a season of taking for opportunistic criminals. Data from UK police forces highlights an increase in robberies during the festive period, with 19,849 incidents reported in the last quarter of 2022, a 5.6% rise compared to the previous quarter.
This uptick impacts both personal and business property. London once again topped the list, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 7,287 personal robbery cases and 798 business property robberies. The West Midlands recorded 2,210 offences, and Greater Manchester followed with 1,266 cases.
3- Criminal Damage Increases during Christmas
The festive season often brings out a sense of celebration, with homes and businesses adorned with lights and decorations. Unfortunately, this display of holiday cheer also attracts individuals who cause damage to property, leading to consistently high reports of criminal damage during the holiday season.
According to the latest police data, Q4 of 2022 recorded 35,967 incidents of criminal damage, an increase compared to Q3 (34,888 incidents) and Q2 (35,402 incidents). With longer nights providing cover for such acts, it’s no surprise that winter sees a rise in these crimes.
London leads with the highest rates of criminal damage, reporting 2,715 incidents in Q4. Greater Manchester closely follows, just 2% behind with 2,660 cases. West Yorkshire and the West Midlands also report significant numbers, with 2,392 and 2,132 incidents, respectively.
4- Business Burglaries Surge over the Holidays
While some businesses ramp up operations during the festive season, others close their doors until the new year. Unfortunately, both scenarios leave businesses vulnerable to burglaries, making Q4 the most challenging period of the year for property crimes.
In 2022, there were 19,016 cases of business and community burglaries during Q4, marking a slight increase of over 2% compared to Q1 (18,629 cases).
London once again is at the top, with a staggering 4,450 burglary incidents, more than the combined total of the next three regions which are West Midlands (1,093 cases), Greater Manchester (1,038 cases), and West Yorkshire (1,033 cases).
5- Employee Theft Increases During the Festive Season
While trust in staff is vital for any business, the holiday season can present unique challenges. With higher stock turnover, busy store floors, and an influx of customers, employee theft can sometimes go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Recent statistics highlight this concern, with Q4 of 2022 reporting 1,666 instances of theft by employees. Although specific breakdowns are unavailable, the British Retail Consortium estimates that employee theft led to losses of nearly £40 million during 2021-22.
London tops the list for employee theft cases, with 198 reported offences. Greater Manchester follows with 118 cases, West Yorkshire with 80, and the Thames Valley with 71 offences.
6- Businesses Face Increased Criminal Damage Over Christmas
While homeowners face heightened risks of criminal damage during the holidays, businesses aren’t exempt from this trend. Retailers with eye-catching window displays and festive decorations are prime targets for vandalism and aggressive acts.
In Q4 of 2022, there were 13,580 cases of criminal damage to business premises, reflecting a 1.9% increase compared to Q3 (13,324 cases) and a 2.4% rise from Q2 (13,258 cases).
London again leads in these reports, with 959 incidents of criminal damage to non-residential buildings. Greater Manchester follows closely with 863 cases, while Hampshire (689 incidents) and the Thames Valley (652 incidents) also reported significant concerns.
7- Attempted Business Burglaries Spike during the Holidays
In addition to actual burglaries, attempted business burglaries also increased over Christmas. With many premises left unattended and the holiday rush creating distractions, criminals often see the festive period as an opportunity to strike.
While these attempts don’t always succeed, their effects are far-reaching causing emotional distress, disruption, and financial losses as businesses recover. In Q4 of 2022, 2,714 cases of attempted burglaries were reported targeting business and community premises.
London once again tops the list, with 416 offences recorded. The West Midlands follows with 203 cases, West Yorkshire with 171, and Greater Manchester with 141.
Will the Cost of Living Crisis Lead to More Crime This Christmas?
The UK’s ongoing economic challenges are affecting daily life for many. With wages failing to keep pace with rising costs of housing, groceries, and other essentials, maintaining the standard of living is becoming difficult for many.
Emerging data sheds light on the impact of these struggles. As highlighted in Guard Mark Security’s analysis of crime in the UK and most dangerous areas in London, figures from across England and Wales suggest that the cost-of-living crisis may contribute to an uptick in crime this festive season.
1- A Surge in Shoplifting Cases
It’s no surprise that shoplifting has seen one of the most significant increases during the current economic downturn. Recent data shows a 25% rise in shoplifting cases across England and Wales, climbing from 292,584 offences in 2022 to 365,164 offences in 2023.
The increase isn’t uniform across regions, with some areas seeing particularly sharp spikes. Sussex reported a 45% rise, reaching 12,920 incidents compared to 8,917 in 2022. Similarly, Northumbria experienced a 44% increase (12,285 incidents), while Avon, Somerset, and Cambridgeshire both saw 41% increases, reporting 11,974 and 5,306 incidents, respectively.
2- Theft from Individuals Has Skyrocketed
Much like the surge in shoplifting, theft from individuals, purse snatching, bag theft, and pickpocketing have seen a sharp increase compared to 2022.
Across England and Wales, incidents of theft from individuals rose by 20%, climbing from 97,883 cases in 2022 to 116,523 in 2023, according to the latest ONS data.
Some regions have been particularly hard-hit. Northumbria experienced a staggering 43% rise, increasing from 755 offences in 2022 to 990 in 2023. Similar concerns are evident in Devon & Cornwall, Gwent, and Dorset, each reporting a 32% spike. Devon & Cornwall recorded 745 incidents (up from 565), Gwent saw 236 cases, and Dorset logged 460 offences.
3- Weapon Possession Offences Are on the Rise
Another alarming trend is the increase in weapon possession offences, which appears linked to the rise in theft, robbery, and other crimes. While the overall rise is 13%, from 51,430 incidents in 2022 to 58,426 in 2023, it’s the regional figures that paint a troubling picture.
Cheshire leads the list with a shocking 91% increase, reporting 760 offences in 2023 compared to the previous year. Staffordshire isn’t far behind, with an 81% rise, reaching 859 offences. Cumbria also reported a concerning 69% increase, with 506 cases in 2023.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season with Guard Mark Security
The festive season may bring joy and celebration, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges when it comes to safety and security. While the statistics we’ve shared paint a concerning picture, taking proactive measures can help ensure your business stays protected during this busy time.
At Guard Mark Security, we’re here to help you stay secure throughout the holiday season. Whether you need experienced security guards, CCTV monitoring for your retail space during the festive rush, or reliable alarm response and keyholding services while your team enjoys the holidays, we’ve got you covered.
Our services are backed by a dedicated 24/7/365 support team, ensuring that you’re never left without assistance, even during the busiest times of the year. Let us help you create a safer, more secure environment this Christmas.
