Burnley Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 75 residents in Burnley's built-up area, one crime was reported in May 2024, translating to a crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people. This figure is 58.3% higher than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, indicating a marked local challenge. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences (32.8% of all reported crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (27.8%) and shoplifting (8.0%). These patterns may be influenced by Burnley's urban character and seasonal factors, as May's extended evenings and bank holidays likely increased outdoor socialising and associated risks. Anti-social behaviour, which is 155% above the UK average, suggests ongoing pressure on community spaces, while shoplifting's 25.4% decline from April could reflect reduced retail footfall or enhanced policing. The higher proportion of violent crime compared to the UK average (which reports 2.8 per 1,000 for this category) may be linked to local socioeconomic factors, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this connection. Meanwhile, public order offences were 5% below the UK average, a small but notable deviation that could indicate effective local interventions or unique community dynamics.

May 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft increased by 66.7% (3 to 5), possibly linked to extended daylight hours encouraging cycling. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 25.4% (114 to 85), which may reflect seasonal retail activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained 55% above the UK average at 4.4 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour was 155% above the national rate at 3.7 per 1,000. Public order offences, however, were 5% below the UK average, a rare positive deviation. Vehicle crime decreased by 20.9% (43 to 34), influenced by reduced car usage during the bank holiday weekend. These shifts illustrate how local dynamics, from socialising patterns to enforcement efforts, can shape crime trends in real time.

Burnley's crime rate in May 2024 remained stable at 13.3 per 1,000 residents, a 0.7% decrease from April's 13.4 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall criminal activity despite seasonal changes. On a daily basis, 34 crimes were reported across the built-up area, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 75 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban setting, where public spaces and community interactions may contribute to higher visibility of crime. The rate remains 58.3% above the UK average, reflecting persistent challenges in Burnley compared to the national context. While the slight decline from April is negligible, the continued disparity with the UK average underscores the need for targeted local strategies to address root causes of crime in the area.