Dalton-in-Furness Crime Rate

Dalton-in-Furness is a safe and secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 53.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 87/100. While the area is generally very safe, recent data shows an increasing trend, with a 15.6% rise in total crimes compared to the previous year. This suggests that while Dalton remains a low-crime area, residents should stay informed about local changes. In this guide, we will explore the breakdown of crime types, examine the latest monthly trends, and provide practical advice on how to maintain the high levels of safety that Dalton-in-Furness is known for.

Crime Breakdown in Dalton-in-Furness

In Dalton-in-Furness, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, representing 46.3% of the total. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 13.2% and public order offences at 12.5%. Collectively, these three categories account for over 70% of all incidents in the area. Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting a lower risk for local homeowners. Within this category, other theft (4.1%) and shoplifting (3.6%) are the most common, while burglary remains rare at just 2.0% of total crime. For residents, the data indicates that while interpersonal offences are the primary concern for local police, the threat to property and vehicles is comparatively low for an urban settlement.

Crime Trends in Dalton-in-Furness

The crime trend in Dalton-in-Furness is currently increasing, with total offences rising by 15.6% year-over-year. A closer look at the monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained relatively stable for most of the year, fluctuating between 2.3 and 4.9. However, there was a significant spike in October 2025, where the rate jumped to 8.8 per 1,000—nearly double the average of previous months. This unusual increase at the end of the period is the primary driver of the overall upward trend. For residents, this suggests that while Dalton remains a very safe area historically, there has been a recent uptick in activity that warrants increased awareness. It will be important to see if this spike is a temporary anomaly or the start of a more sustained change in the local crime landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Dalton-in-Furness

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Dalton-in-Furness, personal safety and awareness are key. Although the town is very safe, these tips can help you stay secure:

1. Be Mindful in Public Spaces: Even in low-crime areas, staying aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially in the evening, is a good habit to maintain.
2. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: With criminal damage and public order being top concerns, reporting incidents of ASB early can help the police prevent more serious offences from occurring.
3. Secure Outbuildings: While burglary is low, opportunistic thefts from sheds and garages can occur. Ensure these are fitted with sturdy locks and consider an alarm system.
4. Light Up Your Property: Use dusk-to-dawn lighting around your home to eliminate dark spots where someone could linger unobserved.
5. Join a Neighbourhood Watch: Dalton's strong community spirit is a great asset. Engaging with neighbours and local watch schemes can help keep the whole area safer.

Crime Time Patterns in Dalton-in-Furness

Crime in Dalton-in-Furness follows a fairly predictable cycle. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by 'Other' crimes and theft, with theft-related offences peaking at 33% between 12pm and 6pm. This suggests that most daytime incidents are opportunistic or retail-based. As evening approaches, the 'Other' category—which includes anti-social behaviour—rises to 76% of all recorded incidents. The night-time period (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for property crime; burglary accounts for 15% of incidents during these hours, and vehicle crime reaches its highest percentage at 9%. This indicates that while the town is generally quiet, the small number of property offences that do occur are most likely to happen under the cover of darkness when residential areas are least active.

Dalton-in-Furness sits in a favourable position compared to its larger neighbour, Barrow-in-Furness, which has a much higher crime rate of 109.2 per 1,000. Locally, Dalton is slightly more active than Askam in Furness (28.7) and Swarthmoor (31.0), but it remains a very safe choice for residents. Nearby rural areas like Lindal in Furness and Great Urswick report a crime rate of 0.0, which is common for very small communities with low population density. For those looking for a balance of town life and security, Dalton-in-Furness offers a significantly safer environment than the main urban centre of Barrow while providing more amenities than the smallest surrounding villages.

Home Security in Dalton-in-Furness

Residents of Dalton-in-Furness enjoy a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000, which is well below the national average. However, the recent 15.6% increase in overall crime highlights the importance of not becoming complacent. Traditional security measures like CCTV cameras and doorbells often only provide a record of a crime after it has happened. For those seeking a higher level of protection, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered alternative. scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they escalate. With features like DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—scOS works to deter criminals at the first point of contact. In a safe area like Dalton, the goal is to prevent opportunistic crime entirely, and scOS provides the professional-grade technology needed to ensure your home remains a hard target.