Burnley Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Burnley faced a crime rate of 13.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 65% above the UK average of 8.0. This translates to a daily risk of encountering 42 crimes, with one in every 76 residents likely to experience a reported incident over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 32.2% of all incidents and 216% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, making up 28.9% of reported crimes and 37% above the national rate. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to these patterns, as public spaces become more crowded and alcohol consumption rises. While property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime saw declines, the persistent dominance of anti-social behaviour and violence suggests underlying social challenges that may require targeted community interventions. The high rate of criminal damage and arson (110% above the UK average) further indicates a need for improved disorder management in key areas. Burnley's crime profile reflects a combination of local factors, including its urban character and the pressures of a post-industrial economy, which may exacerbate issues of social cohesion and public safety.

May 2023 saw a 91.7% surge in drugs-related crimes, rising from 12 to 23 incidents—a stark increase that may reflect changing patterns in illicit activity. Theft from the person also rose by 40%, with reported cases jumping from 5 to 7, potentially linked to increased outdoor socialising during longer evenings. In contrast, burglary dropped by 22.4%, with incidents falling from 67 to 52, suggesting a shift in criminal focus away from residential areas. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 32.2% of all crimes, remains 216% above the UK average, highlighting Burnley's ongoing struggles with disorder. Vehicle crime fell 14.3%, aligning with a national trend, though the rate remains 11% below the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories rising while others decline amid seasonal changes.

Burnley's crime rate in May 2023 rose 9.2% from 12.0 to 13.2 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a shift in local patterns. With 42 crimes reported daily, this equates to one crime for every 76 residents over the course of the month. The increase contrasts with declines in burglary and vehicle crime, which may signal evolving criminal priorities. While daily crime numbers remain consistent with prior months, the monthly exposure figure highlights the persistent presence of crime in everyday life. Burnley's population of 99,233 means that statistically, each resident faces a 1-in-76 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime in May. This rate, though higher than the UK average, aligns with the area's historical challenges in managing anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The shift in crime types—from property-focused to violence and disorder—suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk social spaces.