Blackpool Crime Rate

The Blackpool urban area has an overall crime rate of 206.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this high volume of incidents, the area maintains a safety score of 53/100, positioning it slightly above the national average for general safety. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor decrease of -1.7% year-over-year. For the population of 149,760, these figures are influenced by the town's high density and its role as a major regional activity hub. Property crime is also elevated at 49.4 per 1,000 residents. the following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and safety recommendations for those living in or visiting Blackpool.

In the Blackpool urban area, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.9% of all incidents (76.1 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 28.4% and criminal damage and arson at 6.4%. These three categories represent the core focus of local law enforcement.

Property crime in Blackpool—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is recorded at a combined rate of 49.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.3. Within this group, 'other theft' (5.5%) and shoplifting (4.8%) are the most frequent, while vehicle crime and burglary each account for less than 3% of the total. For residents, these statistics highlight that while personal safety and public order are the primary concerns, the risk to property is also elevated compared to national averages. The high rate of criminal damage (13.1 per 1,000) suggests that visible and robust property security is a key requirement for homeowners in the urban area.

The crime trend in Blackpool is currently stable, with a minor -1.7% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows a seasonal pattern; after starting the year with rates around 15.1 to 15.7 per 1,000 in the winter, activity spiked in the spring and summer. March 2025 saw a rate of 19.1, and August recorded the year's high of 19.3. The rates then began to decline toward the end of the year, reaching 14.7 in November. This pattern indicates that while the overall trend is steady, residents should expect higher levels of activity during the busier spring and summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Blackpool

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Blackpool, followed by anti-social behaviour. Given the town's high crime rate and busy urban environment, residents should take proactive steps to ensure personal safety.

• Be highly aware of your surroundings in the town centre and along the promenade, especially during late-night hours.
• Stick to well-lit, populated routes when walking at night and avoid isolated areas or poorly lit side streets.
• Ensure your home is physically secure with high-quality locks and reinforced entry points to mitigate the risk of property crime.
• Keep high-value items out of sight when in public and never leave bags or electronics unattended in cars.
• Report anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; this helps the police map 'hotspots' and allocate resources effectively.
• Engage with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about recent trends and share safety information with other residents.

Crime timing in Blackpool follows a clear urban cycle. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 47% and 51% of crimes respectively. This is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in commercial areas. As the day transitions into the night, the profile shifts. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for 33% of incidents, and burglary, which peaks at 19%. This suggests that while theft is a daytime risk, vehicles and homes are most vulnerable during the early hours of the morning. Evening activity is more varied, with a high concentration of 'other' offences including anti-social behaviour.

In the local regional context, Blackpool is the most active urban centre. Its crime rate of 206.2 per 1,000 is considerably higher than nearby Lytham St Anne's (86.6) and the smaller settlements of Staining (52.5) and Carleton (31.6). It contrasts sharply with the quiet hamlet of Weeton, which reported zero crimes during the same period. These comparisons highlight Blackpool's status as the primary focal point for commercial and social activity in the area, which naturally results in a higher volume of recorded incidents. For residents, understanding this regional context helps in making informed decisions about personal and property security.

With a property crime rate of 49.4 per 1,000 residents—well above the UK average—Blackpool homeowners face a genuine need for advanced security. In a busy urban environment, traditional reactive security like basic CCTV or standard alarms often fails to prevent crime. These systems typically only record an event as it happens or notify you after a break-in has already occurred.

The scOS system provides a proactive alternative designed for high-activity areas. By using AI to monitor multiple cameras simultaneously, it detects potential threats at your property's boundary before a breach occurs. Whether it's identifying suspicious loitering or verifying vehicles via DVLA integration, scOS can autonomously respond with deterrents like lighting and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. Most burglars decide whether to target a property within 60 seconds; the visible presence of a professional-grade scOS system makes that decision easy for them, forcing them to move on. For real protection in an area with Blackpool's crime profile, proactive prevention is the most effective choice.