Burnley Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Burnley

Burnley, with a population of 99,233, records an overall crime rate of 140.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 69 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Burnley has experienced a stable period, with a marginal year-over-year decrease of 1.2% in its overall crime rate. This overview provides context for the detailed crime statistics and trends within the Burnley local authority district.

About Burnley: Contributing Factors to Crime Statistics

Burnley is a town with a rich industrial heritage, now blending urban and suburban characteristics. Its crime statistics are influenced by a combination of factors typical of such areas. As a significant commercial and residential hub in East Lancashire, Burnley experiences higher population density and foot traffic, which can correlate with increased opportunities for certain types of crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour. The presence of a town centre with nightlife and retail establishments can contribute to incidents of public order offences and shoplifting.

Demographically, the area has a diverse population. Economic factors can also play a role; while Burnley has undergone regeneration, areas with socioeconomic challenges can sometimes see elevated crime rates. Furthermore, transport links, including a busy road network, can make the area accessible for both residents and those who may travel to commit crimes. Understanding these characteristics provides a more nuanced view of the crime data, helping to explain why Burnley's crime rate is positioned as it is relative to national averages.

Crime Type Analysis in Burnley

An examination of crime types in Burnley reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, with 4,427 reported crimes, equating to 44.6 per 1,000 residents and 31.7% of all offences. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue, accounting for 3,940 incidents (39.7 per 1,000, 28.2% of total crimes). Criminal damage and arson rank third, with 1,113 crimes, representing 11.2 per 1,000 people and 8.0% of the total.

Focusing on property-related crime, which combines burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Burnley experiences a rate of 42.3 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, there were 628 burglaries (6.3 per 1,000), 562 vehicle crimes (5.7 per 1,000), 684 other thefts (6.9 per 1,000), and 100 robberies (1.0 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of robust security measures, particularly against offences that target personal property and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Burnley

Burnley's crime statistics show a largely stable trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 1.2% in the overall crime rate compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people, a fluctuating pattern is observed. The rate saw a low of 9.5 in February 2025, suggesting a period of reduced criminal activity. However, it peaked at 13.7 in August 2025, indicating a seasonal or temporary increase during the summer months. Other notable months include October 2024 at 12.5 and July 2025 at 13.3. This pattern of fluctuation, despite the overall stability, suggests that while the long-term trend is not rapidly changing, residents should remain aware of potential month-to-month variations in crime levels.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Burnley's crime rate can be compared with its neighbouring areas. Rossendale, Hyndburn, Pendle, Blackburn with Darwen, Calderdale, and Rochdale are all within the wider regional scope. While specific crime rates for each are not detailed here, understanding the local authority landscape helps to contextualise Burnley's position. Burnley's overall crime rate of 140.9 per 1,000 is higher than the UK average, suggesting that it faces greater challenges in crime reduction compared to many other areas nationally. This regional comparison is crucial for residents and prospective movers to understand the broader safety environment of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Protecting Your Home in Burnley

Given Burnley's property crime rate of 42.3 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for residents. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording system rather than a preventative one. For true peace of mind, consider a system that actively deters crime before it happens.

Advanced AI-powered home security operating systems, like scOS, offer a different approach. Instead of simply recording an incident, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, preventing criminals from even reaching your home. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures continuous monitoring, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. Such systems learn your routines, distinguishing between family and genuine threats, and can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making burglars decide within 60 seconds to move on rather than target your property. Investing in proactive security is a significant step towards safeguarding your home against property crime in Burnley.