Burnley Crime Rate

Burnley's crime rate of 141.6 per 1,000 residents is 55.6% above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour standing out as a major concern at 152% above the national rate. While the overall trend remains stable, the sharp rise in bicycle theft (+21% YoY) and the persistent elevation of burglary (119% above UK average) highlight specific vulnerabilities. This profile contrasts with the UK average, where Burnley's safety score of 68/100 places it 11 points below the national benchmark, underscoring the need for targeted local strategies.

Burnley, a post-industrial town in Lancashire, has a complex socio-economic landscape shaped by deindustrialisation and a mix of urban and rural communities. Its higher anti-social behaviour rate likely reflects long-standing issues in densely populated areas with limited community resources, while the elevated burglary rate may stem from older housing stock and high foot traffic in retail zones. The town's proximity to major transport routes also contributes to vehicle crime, and its student population may indirectly influence bicycle theft trends. These factors create a unique crime profile that diverges from both urban and rural UK averages.

The most striking finding is anti-social behaviour's 152% exceedance of the UK average, far outpacing other categories. This is likely exacerbated by Burnley's history of social deprivation and the concentration of such behaviour in residential areas with limited policing presence. Burglary, 119% above UK average, may reflect vulnerabilities in older properties and the town's role as a commuter hub with transient populations. Bicycle theft's 21% YoY increase contrasts with the UK average's slight decline, possibly due to Burnley's student population and the prevalence of cycle lanes. While violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type (32.8% of total), their 8.1% YoY increase suggests persistent challenges in addressing domestic and public safety issues.

Burnley's crime rate remained stable (0.8% YoY), with monthly fluctuations peaking in August 2025 (13.7 per 1,000) and troughing in February 2026 (9.9 per 1,000). This seasonal pattern likely reflects increased outdoor activity during summer and the impact of university term breaks on local dynamics. Robbery's 22.6% YoY decline may indicate improved policing strategies or reduced opportunities during colder months. Conversely, bicycle theft's 21.3% increase and theft from the person's 12.5% rise suggest evolving patterns in property crime, possibly linked to targeted thefts in high-traffic areas during peak hours.

Burnley's crime rate is 52% higher than Rossendale and 43% higher than Pendle, likely due to Burnley's larger urban footprint and higher population density. In contrast, Rochdale's exceptionally low rate (0.2 per 1,000) suggests a starkly different socio-economic profile. Within Burnley, Rural Burnley's 31.0 per 1,000 rate is 357% lower than the town average, reflecting the protective effects of lower population density and reduced public spaces. Padiham, with a rate 1% higher than Burnley's average, may face similar challenges to the town core, while Hapton's 43% lower rate highlights the impact of distinct community dynamics.

For households in Burnley dealing with anti-social behaviour, which exceeds UK average by 152%, scOS's AI-monitored boundary detection offers a proactive solution. Its ability to learn normal activity patterns and flag repeated disturbances near properties can help address persistent issues like loitering or vandalism. The system's 2-week cloud recording provides critical evidence for reporting incidents to local authorities. Given Burnley's 7.2 per 1,000 burglary rate (119% above UK average), scOS's real-time lighting and audio deterrents can act as a visible barrier to potential intruders. Its hardwired design ensures resilience against tampering, a practical consideration in areas with higher property crime rates.

How To Keep Safe in Burnley

Residents should prioritise securing properties against burglary, which is 119% above UK average, by installing robust locks and motion sensors. Given anti-social behaviour's 152% exceedance of the national rate, community engagement initiatives and visible deterrents like CCTV are recommended. For bicycle theft, which has risen 21% YoY, using secure bike storage and tracking devices is critical. Avoiding isolated areas during evening hours may help mitigate risks, though this advice should be contextualised with local lighting and foot traffic patterns. Regular communication with local authorities about recurring anti-social behaviour incidents is also advised to leverage community policing efforts.