Rise in crime across Rotherham possibly linked to warmer weather, police say

The number of offences committed in the month of May - the most recent figures to be published - show that Rotherham Central division suffered its biggest wave of lawbreaking in a full year.

Rotherham South endured the highest number, and Rotherham North had the second-highest number of crimes since September.

Only one per cent of 884 crimes committed in the South area, which covers the likes of North and South Anston, Dinnington, Thurcroft, Catcliffe, Swallownest, Brinsworth, Maltby and Bramley, are awaiting a court process, according to the data.

Police say almost half the 884 come under the "unable to prosecute or no suspect identified" category.

Central, which includes the town centre, Kimberworth, Thorpe Hesley, Greasbrough, Eastwood, Clifton, East Dene, Herringthorpe, Whiston and Canklow, was hit by 1,059 crimes, three per cent of which are due to come to court.

North, which includes Wath, Rawmarsh, Parkgate, Wentworth, Thrybergh, Swinton, Brampton, and Manvers, had 774 offences reported.

Chief Insp John Crapper said: “We know that for our local communities, seeing data that shows a rise in recorded crime can be worrying.

"However, it is always important to view such data in context.

"Typically, across the year crime fluctuates and we experience this every year to varying degrees.

"This is the same across the force and indeed nationally.

“In May, we did see an increase in reported crimes, but last month we saw them reduce again.

"We do tend to see an increase in crime during the warmer weather and the reasons for this are incredibly complex, which is why crime data is so carefully analysed to help us better understand any emerging trends.”

The red flag areas in Central included 22 crimes near supermarkets in the areas around Henry Street, Eastwood and Worrygoose Lane roundabout.

There were 25 crimes committed in the Bridgegate area.

Crimes in areas in and around supermarkets in Bramley, Dinnington and on Bawtry Road, Hellaby were notable highs in the South figures.

While North figures were influenced by shoplifting and other thefts in Broad Street and Rail Mill Way, Parkgate.

Across the whole borough, there were almost 1,000 violent or sexual offences committed.