Blackpool Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Blackpool's crime rate stood at 15.5 per 1,000 residents, 106.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This stark divergence from national trends highlights a local profile dominated by violent and anti-social crime, which together accounted for 62.9% of all recorded incidents. Violence and sexual offences constituted the largest single category (34.7% of total crimes), while anti-social behaviour followed closely (28.2%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK averages for both categories, where violence and sexual offences are 108% above the national rate and anti-social behaviour is 319% above. The seasonal context of November—marked by Black Friday shopping, Bonfire Night celebrations, and the early onset of winter darkness—likely contributes to the elevated levels of violent and disorderly crime. The area's coastal resort character, with its mix of tourism infrastructure and densely populated residential zones, may amplify tensions during peak retail and event periods. Property crime, though lower than violent crime, still accounted for 28.7% of all incidents, with shoplifting and other thefts forming a notable portion of this category. The balance between property and violent crime suggests a complex interaction between local demographics, seasonal activity, and policing priorities that warrants further analysis.

November 2023 saw a 55% increase in robbery compared to October, with the category rising from 20 to 31 incidents. This sharp rise, occurring against a backdrop of Black Friday shopping, may reflect heightened opportunities for opportunistic crimes in retail areas. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 58.1% (from 31 to 13), potentially indicating improved security measures or reduced foot traffic in high-risk zones. Violent crime remained high, with violence and sexual offences at 5.4 per 1,000 (108% above the UK average) and anti-social behaviour at 4.4 per 1,000 (319% above the UK average). These figures suggest a persistent challenge in managing public order, particularly in areas with high transient populations. The category of 'possession of weapons' also stood out, with a rate of 0.2 per 1,000 (233% above the UK average), indicating a specific concern that may warrant targeted policing strategies. Vehicle crime decreased by 32.3% (from 124 to 84), linked to seasonal changes in parking patterns or increased enforcement during the festive period.

Blackpool's November 2023 crime rate (15.5 per 1,000) marked a 13.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 18.0 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but measurable decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 74 crimes per day, a figure that, while significant, must be contextualised within Blackpool's unique demographic profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 65 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the persistent presence of crime in a densely populated coastal town. This statistic, when considered alongside the local population of 144,191, highlights the need for community-focused initiatives to address underlying factors contributing to crime. The decrease from October may be partially attributed to the transition into winter, which typically reduces outdoor activity and associated crimes, though this must be balanced against the seasonal spikes in retail-related offences. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates Blackpool's distinct position: while the national rate remains relatively low, the local context—characterised by tourism, transient populations, and seasonal fluctuations—creates a unique environment where crime rates diverge significantly from national trends.