Burnley Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Burnley's crime rate in August 2023 stood at 11.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 44.4% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the local authority, with violent and sexual offences accounting for 33% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 32.6%. The dominance of these categories suggests a combination of social and environmental factors. Seasonal context may partly explain the pattern: August, as a peak holiday month, often sees increased tourism and empty homes, which could contribute to higher burglary risks. However, the most striking trend is the disproportionate rise in anti-social behaviour, which is 164% above the UK average. This category alone accounts for nearly a third of all crimes, indicating underlying community tensions or challenges in policing high-traffic areas. While property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting remain significant, their rates are lower than the UK average for certain categories—shoplifting, for instance, is 33% below the national figure. This contrast highlights the uneven nature of crime across different offence types, with violent and disorderly conduct emerging as the most pressing concerns in Burnley this month.

August 2023 saw a notable 27.6% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 297 to 379 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 21.3% rise in other theft cases, underscores a troubling shift in the crime profile. Meanwhile, bicycle theft and theft from the person both experienced steep declines—77.8% and 75.0% respectively—though these reductions may be attributable to seasonal factors rather than long-term trends. The breakdown of offences reveals stark disparities compared to the UK average: anti-social behaviour is 164% above the national rate, while shoplifting and public order offences are 33% below. These contrasts suggest that Burnley's crime profile is shaped by unique local dynamics, with anti-social conduct likely driven by specific community pressures or policing challenges. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 33% increase in violence and sexual offences, which remain the most common category, with a rate of 3.9 per 1,000—48% above the UK average. This statistic offers a concrete indicator of the area's safety profile, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones.

Burnley's crime rate in August 2023 remained largely stable compared to July, with a 1.1% increase from 11.6 to 11.7 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation suggests that broader trends are more significant than month-to-month variations. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 37 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, remains higher than the UK average when scaled to Burnley's population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 85 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is 44.4% above the national average. This statistic provides a tangible measure of the risk faced by Burnley's population, emphasizing the need for sustained community engagement and policing strategies. While the overall rate is stable, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour and the relative decline in theft from the person illustrate a shifting crime mix that may reflect changes in local demographics, economic conditions, or enforcement priorities. These patterns, when viewed through the lens of Burnley's specific context, reveal the importance of addressing underlying social factors that contribute to persistent high rates of violent and disorderly conduct.