Barrow-in-Furness Crime Rate

Crime in Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness has an overall crime rate of 98.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.1. Despite this, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 76/100. The crime trend in the district is currently stable, showing a minor decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. Property crime in Barrow-in-Furness stands at 26.0 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that while the town faces urban crime challenges typical of an industrial hub, the risk to property is comparatively lower than many other parts of the country, providing a balanced safety profile for its residents.

About Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness is an industrial port town in Cumbria, defined by its world-class shipbuilding and maritime engineering sectors, most notably BAE Systems. The area's geography, situated at the tip of the Furness Peninsula, creates a unique socio-economic environment. The town is a major employer, attracting a significant workforce, which contributes to a high population density in the urban core.

The economic landscape is heavily influenced by the defence industry, providing stability but also creating a distinct industrial character. The town centre serves as a regional hub for retail and nightlife, which naturally sees higher concentrations of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Barrow's isolation from other major urban centres means it operates as a self-contained community, though its transport links via the A590 connect it to the rest of Cumbria. These factors, combined with urban regeneration efforts and varied socio-economic pockets, influence the local crime statistics, with higher activity in the town centre compared to the more suburban and rural fringes of the district.

Crime Breakdown in Barrow-in-Furness

In Barrow-in-Furness, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 45.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.6% and public order offences at 10.2%. These figures reflect the urban challenges typical of a major industrial town, where social and behavioural issues are primary drivers of police activity.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 26.0 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK national average of 32.9, making Barrow relatively safe for property owners compared to other industrial hubs. Shoplifting accounts for 6.6% of total crime, while 'other theft' stands at 4.3%. Burglary is relatively low at 2.5%, and vehicle crime is even lower at 1.1%. For residents, this means that while the risk of break-ins is low, criminal damage (10.6%) is a more significant concern. Protecting homes and businesses from vandalism and opportunistic theft in public spaces should be a key safety priority.

Crime Trends in Barrow-in-Furness

The crime trend in Barrow-in-Furness is currently stable, with a minor 1.6% decrease in total incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in July, August, and September, all recording around 8.7 to 8.9 per 1,000.

The lowest point in the year was recorded in January at 6.7 per 1,000. These fluctuations are typical for an urban area, with higher activity often occurring during the summer months. However, the overall stable trend suggests that crime levels have remained consistent, and the slight annual decrease is a positive sign for the community's safety efforts. Residents can expect a consistent safety environment as they move into the coming year.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Barrow-in-Furness is the largest urban settlement on the Furness Peninsula. When compared to the more rural parts of Cumbria, Barrow naturally has a higher crime rate due to its industrial nature and higher population density. However, it remains a self-contained hub with a crime profile that is consistent with other major port towns in the North of England. For those looking for a residential area in the region, Barrow offers an urban environment with lower property crime risks than many comparable industrial centres, while the surrounding rural areas provide a much quieter, lower-crime alternative for those who prefer a non-urban setting.

Proactive Protection for Barrow-in-Furness Homes

With a property crime rate of 26.0 per 1,000, Barrow-in-Furness residents should consider the benefits of advanced security. In an urban industrial setting, traditional systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive; they record footage as a crime happens, which does not prevent the incident or the resulting damage. For real protection, a proactive system like scOS is the modern standard.

scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries, detecting potential threats before an intruder reaches your home. Its multi-camera intelligence identifies suspicious patterns and can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or audible deterrents, destroying the element of surprise. In a town where criminal damage is a notable concern (10.6%), the ability to prevent an incident before it occurs is far more valuable than simply having evidence after the fact. Professional-grade AI protection ensures your home remains a hard target in an active urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Barrow-in-Furness

The most common crime type in Barrow-in-Furness is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage. To maintain your safety in this industrial town, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in the town centre during the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts or unlit alleys.
2. Given the rate of criminal damage (10.6%), ensure your property and vehicle are parked in secure, well-lit locations to deter vandalism.
3. Be aware of your surroundings in busy shopping areas, and if you witness any anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police to help them target their patrols.
4. Ensure your home is always securely locked, even when you are nearby, to prevent opportunistic theft which can occur in urban settings.
5. If you are out alone in the evening, let someone know your plans and consider using a personal safety app to share your location with trusted contacts.