Blackpool Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Blackpool recorded 2,539 crimes across a population of 144,191 residents, equating to a crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people—134.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure translates to a significant volume of incidents, with over 85 crimes reported daily. The town's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (32.7% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (30.5%), both of which are far above national averages. Violence and sexual offences alone reached 5.8 per 1,000 residents, 123% higher than the UK average, while anti-social behaviour stood at 5.4 per 1,000, 358% above the national benchmark. Seasonal factors likely contribute to these patterns: Easter and spring weather typically boost outdoor activity, potentially increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The coastal nature of Blackpool, with its high foot traffic and transient populations, may also amplify incidents of violence and disorder. However, the data reveals a mixed picture: while violent crimes and anti-social behaviour remain starkly elevated, burglary rates fell by 41.3% compared to March, due to seasonal changes in property crime dynamics. This contrast highlights the combination of local geography, tourism, and crime patterns in a seaside town. The overall rate, though alarmingly high, reflects the challenges of managing public safety in an area with significant seasonal fluctuations in population and activity levels.

April 2023 saw a dramatic 145.5% increase in robbery cases, with incidents rising from 11 to 27. This sharp spike, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain the heightened focus on public safety in the town centre. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 23.1%, reflecting increased outdoor activity during the Easter period and spring weather. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 41.3%, potentially linked to seasonal shifts in property crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences remain high, at 5.8 per 1,000 residents—123% above the UK average. For residents, the 145.5% rise in robbery offers a concrete insight into the risks of unguarded valuables in crowded areas. The data also reveals a stark contrast in crime categories: while shoplifting and anti-social behaviour dominate, theft from the person—despite an 11.1% increase—remains below the UK average, suggesting varying success rates in different crime types.

Blackpool's crime rate in April 2023 rose slightly to 17.6 per 1,000 residents, a 2.4% increase from March's 17.2. This places the town firmly above the UK average, which remains at 7.5 per 1,000. Translating this into daily terms, the area recorded roughly 85 crimes per day in April, highlighting the persistent demand on local policing resources. On a population scale, the monthly exposure figure—1 reported crime for every 57 residents—underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 144,191 people. While this rate is consistent with the area's historical profile as a coastal town with high foot traffic and transient populations, the slight upward trend suggests pressures that may require targeted interventions. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates the challenges faced by Blackpool, where crime rates consistently outpace national benchmarks due to factors like seasonal tourism and urban density.