Blackpool Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Blackpool

Blackpool, a prominent coastal town, recorded an overall crime rate of 211.0 per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure is notably higher than the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 people. Consequently, Blackpool's safety score stands at 52 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78/100. The property crime rate in the area is 51.3 per 1,000 residents, also exceeding the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Analysing the recent trends, the crime rate in Blackpool has remained largely stable, showing a slight 0.9% increase year-over-year. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the current crime landscape in Blackpool, setting the context for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and temporal patterns.

About Blackpool

Blackpool's distinctive characteristics significantly contribute to its crime statistics. As a renowned coastal resort town, it attracts a substantial number of tourists throughout the year, particularly during peak seasons. This high volume of transient visitors, coupled with a vibrant nightlife and numerous entertainment venues, can lead to increased opportunities for certain types of offences, such as anti-social behaviour, public order incidents, and various forms of theft. The town’s role as a transport hub, with a busy train station and extensive road networks, also facilitates movement, which can sometimes be exploited by offenders.

The urban environment of Blackpool, featuring a mix of commercial, residential, and entertainment zones, creates a complex dynamic for law enforcement. Population density, particularly in central areas, can correlate with higher rates of certain crimes. While Blackpool is a lively and welcoming place, underlying socio-economic factors in some areas can also influence crime rates. Understanding these unique attributes helps to contextualise why Blackpool’s crime rates may differ from more suburban or rural locales, providing a more nuanced perspective on the safety and security challenges faced by both residents and visitors.

Crime Breakdown in Blackpool

An in-depth look at crime types in Blackpool reveals key areas of concern. The most prevalent crime category is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.5% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 77.0 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour constitutes a significant 28.7% of crimes, at 60.5 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson rank as the third most common type, representing 6.3% of the total with a rate of 13.4 per 1,000. These three categories collectively highlight the primary challenges faced by the community.

Focusing on property-related crime, which directly impacts residents and homeowners, Blackpool recorded an overall property crime rate of 51.3 per 1,000. This encompasses various offences including burglary (5.9 per 1,000), other theft (11.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.5 per 1,000), shoplifting (9.9 per 1,000), robbery (1.8 per 1,000), theft from the person (1.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.0 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (13.4 per 1,000). The elevated property crime rate suggests that residents should be particularly vigilant in securing their homes and belongings to mitigate potential risks.

Crime Trends in Blackpool

The overall crime trend in Blackpool has shown a stable pattern over the last year, with a marginal year-over-year increase of 0.9%. This indicates that while there hasn't been a significant surge or reduction in overall crime, the figures have remained consistent. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The latter part of 2024 saw rates of 18.6 in October, dropping to 16.4 in November and 15.7 in December. This downward trend continued into early 2025, with rates of 15.2 in January and February.

However, a noticeable increase in activity occurred in March 2025, rising to 19.1 per 1,000, and remaining elevated through April (18.8), May (19.6), July (19.2), and August (19.3). The peak in May suggests a potential seasonal influence, possibly linked to increased tourism or warmer weather. Rates then settled slightly in June (18.1) and saw a more significant drop in September 2025 to 15.8. For residents, this stable overall trend with seasonal fluctuations means that while the general crime environment is not rapidly changing, awareness of potential increases during certain months could be beneficial for personal and property security planning.

Comparing Blackpool with Nearby Areas

When assessing crime statistics, it is valuable to compare Blackpool with its neighbouring local authority districts to provide regional context. Blackpool's overall crime rate of 211.0 per 1,000 residents is considerably higher than that of many surrounding areas. For instance, districts such as Fylde and Wyre, which are generally more suburban and rural, typically exhibit lower crime rates. Preston, a larger urban centre, might show some similarities in certain crime categories, but Blackpool's unique characteristics as a major tourist destination often contribute to its distinct crime profile.

Further comparisons with South Ribble, West Lancashire, and Chorley would likely reinforce this pattern. These areas, often characterised by more residential or semi-rural environments, tend to experience lower crime volumes and different crime type distributions compared to Blackpool. This regional comparison highlights that while crime is a concern across all areas, the intensity and nature of offences can vary significantly based on the demographic, economic, and social characteristics of each local authority district. For residents, understanding these local differences can help to contextualise Blackpool's crime figures within the broader regional landscape.

Protecting Your Property in Blackpool

Given Blackpool's property crime rate of 51.3 per 1,000 residents, ensuring robust home security is a pertinent consideration for homeowners and tenants. While traditional security measures like basic CCTV cameras offer a reactive approach by recording incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than actively preventing it. Modern security solutions, however, are shifting towards proactive prevention, deterring potential threats before they escalate.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system, such as scOS, which offers a significant advancement in property protection. Instead of merely notifying you after an event, these systems are designed to detect threats at the property boundary. Utilising multi-camera intelligence, they monitor all vantage points simultaneously, learning family routines and distinguishing real threats from everyday occurrences. This proactive approach means that potential intruders are identified early, often before they can even reach your door. With features like autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, the element of surprise is destroyed, making your property a less appealing target. The right professional-grade security system can make a significant difference, effectively deterring most burglars who typically decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed with an attempt. Prioritising prevention over mere recording offers a more effective strategy for safeguarding your home in Blackpool.