Burnley Crime Rate

Burnley, a major industrial town in Lancashire, has an overall crime rate of 140.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 69/100, which is below the UK average of 78. The crime trend in Burnley is currently stable, with a negligible 0.8% decrease year-over-year. As a high-density urban area, Burnley faces more significant safety challenges than many of its rural neighbours. Understanding the local crime breakdown is crucial for residents and businesses to take appropriate safety measures. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types and practical security advice.

Burnley is a post-industrial town in Lancashire with a strong manufacturing heritage. Its crime statistics are influenced by its dense urban environment, socio-economic factors, and its role as a regional commercial hub. The town features a mix of traditional terraced housing, modern residential developments, and industrial estates. Burnley's crime profile is also affected by its vibrant town centre and local nightlife, which can lead to concentrations of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Like many northern towns undergoing economic regeneration, Burnley faces challenges related to deprivation in certain areas, which can correlate with higher crime rates. However, strong community initiatives and proactive policing are active in the area, working to manage these urban safety challenges.

In Burnley, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types, accounting for 32.0% of all reports at a rate of 45.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also very high, making up 28.3% of the total. Criminal damage and arson is the third most common category at 7.8%. Property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 41.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.9, making property security a top priority for local homeowners and businesses. Within this category, shoplifting and 'other theft' are the most prevalent. Burglary occurs at a rate of 5.9 per 1,000, and vehicle crime is also at 5.8 per 1,000. For residents, these statistics highlight a challenging environment where both personal and property safety require consistent attention and robust security measures.

The crime trend in Burnley is currently stable, with a minor 0.8% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating, with a notable peak in the summer months. The rate rose from 9.5 per 1,000 in February 2025 to a high of 13.7 in August 2025. This seasonal increase is common in urban areas, but the rate returned to 11.3 in September and 12.5 in October. This stability suggests that while the crime rate remains high, it is not currently on a significant upward trajectory, and levels are consistent with previous periods.

In the local regional context, Burnley's crime rate of 140.9 per 1,000 residents is the highest among its neighbours. Nearby areas such as Rossendale, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, Calderdale, and Rochdale all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset, while Pendle reported 100.7. This highlights Burnley as a concentrated hub for reported crime in the area. For those living in or moving to Burnley, the higher crime levels compared to surrounding districts make proactive personal and property security a vital consideration.

With a high property crime rate of 41.5 per 1,000 residents, Burnley homeowners face a significant challenge. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they only alert you once a break-in has already occurred. In a high-crime environment, proactive protection is much more effective. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder before they even reach your door and respond autonomously with lights or speakers. This destroys the element of surprise and forces the intruder to move on to an easier target. For Burnley residents, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent issues, a proactive system like scOS offers the highest level of deterrence and the best chance of preventing a crime before it happens.

How To Keep Safe in Burnley

Violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most common crimes in Burnley. To stay safe in the town, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Town Centre Vigilance: When in the town centre or using public transport, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure to deter opportunistic theft.
2. Deter Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB at 28.3% of total crime, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that your boundaries are clearly defined to discourage loitering and nuisance behaviour.
3. Secure Your Property: To combat the high property crime rate, invest in high-quality locks and consider proactive security measures that monitor your property's perimeter 24/7.
4. Vehicle Safety: Always lock your car and remove all valuables. Given the vehicle crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000, parking in a secure garage or well-lit driveway is highly recommended.
5. Community Connection: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch or community safety group to stay informed about crime trends in your specific area and share safety tips with your neighbours.