Burnley Crime Rate

Burnley's crime rate of 153.5 per 1,000 residents is 68.6% above the UK average, but the most striking statistic is anti-social behaviour, which occurs at 167% above the national rate (39.2 vs 14.7 per 1,000). This is more than triple the UK average and highlights a persistent challenge for local authorities. While robbery rates have decreased by 22.2% YoY, shoplifting and burglary remain significant concerns, with the latter at 131% above the UK average.

Burnley is a historic industrial town in Lancashire, known for its textile heritage and proximity to the Pennines. Its built-up area includes a mix of residential, commercial, and retail zones, with a population of over 79,000. The town's economic profile, with a significant proportion of lower-income households, and its dense urban fabric may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour and property crime rates. Commuter patterns and retail activity further influence shoplifting and theft trends.

Burnley's most striking crime statistic is anti-social behaviour, which occurs at 167% above the UK average (39.2 vs 14.7 per 1,000). This likely reflects the town's high population density and the presence of multiple public spaces where noise, vandalism, and intimidation can escalate. Shoplifting (12.7 per 1,000) is also elevated (69% above UK average), likely driven by the town's retail centres and foot traffic. Burglary (7.6 per 1,000, 131% above UK average) may be linked to older housing stock and limited natural surveillance in certain areas. These trends contrast with the UK-wide decline in robbery (5% below UK average), suggesting local factors like improved lighting or community policing may be deterring violent crime.

Burnley's overall crime rate remained stable (1.0% YoY) between March 2025 and February 2026, but several crime types showed significant shifts. Robbery fell by 22.2% (91 crimes, 1.1 per 1,000), possibly due to targeted policing or changes in public behaviour. Bicycle theft increased by 17.9% (66 crimes, 0.8 per 1,000), suggesting a growing trend in theft of personal property. Public order offences rose by 16.5%, while criminal damage and arson fell by 8% despite remaining 75% above the UK average. These patterns indicate a combination of local initiatives and persistent challenges in reducing anti-social behaviour and property crime.

How To Keep Safe in Burnley

Residents should prioritise home security against burglary (7.6 per 1,000, 131% above UK average) by installing motion-sensor lighting and securing ground-floor windows. For anti-social behaviour (39.2 per 1,000), avoid unlit pathways in the evening and report persistent disturbances to local authorities. Shoplifting risks (12.7 per 1,000) are higher in retail zones—carry valuables in secure bags and avoid displaying expensive items in public. Vehicle crime (5.7 per 1,000) peaks at night, so park in well-lit areas and use alarms. These measures address Burnley's specific crime profile, where anti-social behaviour and property crime are most prevalent.

Crime in Burnley exhibits distinct patterns by time of day. Burglary peaks in the evening (23%) and night (28%), aligning with reduced visibility and potential opportunistic entry points in residential areas. Theft from the person (0.6 per 1,000) is most common in the afternoon (38%), likely tied to shopping hours and public transport hubs. Vehicle crime spikes at night (32%), correlating with unattended cars in car parks and residential streets. Anti-social behaviour, while not time-specific in the data, may occur in the evening when public spaces are more densely populated. These patterns suggest that targeted interventions during peak hours could yield measurable results.

Burnley's crime rate of 153.5 per 1,000 is 150% higher than Worsthorne (61.4 per 1,000) and 53% higher than Brierfield (100.4 per 1,000). This stark contrast likely reflects Burnley's larger population and urban density compared to these smaller, more rural or semi-rural areas. Hapton (98.7 per 1,000) is the least crime-ridden of the three, but Burnley's rates are still 55% higher, suggesting urban factors like retail density and public transport hubs contribute to its elevated crime profile.

For households in Burnley dealing with anti-social behaviour (39.2 per 1,000, 167% above UK average), scOS offers AI-powered monitoring that learns normal activity patterns and flags disruptions. This system detects repeated loitering or disturbances near homes, triggering automated lighting and audio deterrents. With two weeks of cloud recording, it provides a clear evidence trail for reporting incidents. Hardwired ethernet cameras make the system resilient to tampering, a practical advantage in areas with high anti-social behaviour rates. This proactive approach complements traditional security measures by addressing the root cause of persistent disturbances.