Burnley Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Burnley's August 2024 crime rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents places the area 48.8% above the UK average, reflecting a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. The most common crime category remains anti-social behaviour, accounting for nearly 30% of all reported incidents, followed closely by violence and sexual offences (29.1%). This pattern is consistent with Burnley's character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where community tensions and socio-economic factors may contribute to higher rates of disorderly conduct. Seasonal dynamics appear to influence certain categories: the peak of the holiday season in August may have increased the risk of burglary through empty homes, yet reported burglary cases actually decreased by 14.5% compared to July, a counterintuitive trend that warrants further local analysis. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose significantly, linked to the summer months and the relaxation of routines that accompany holidays. The UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.4 per 1,000, but Burnley's rate of 3.7 per 1,000 highlights a marked disparity that could be attributed to the town's historical industrial decline and its current reliance on services and retail sectors, which may foster environments conducive to such behaviour. The data also shows a 13% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average, a trend likely tied to Burnley's retail presence, although the absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to other major urban centres. These figures, combined with the area's seasonal context, suggest a combination of local conditions and broader national patterns that requires ongoing scrutiny by local authorities.

August saw a 40% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 10 to 14 cases — a sharp uptick that may reflect heightened tensions during summer evenings or local events. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 25.3%, from 99 to 124 incidents, potentially linked to the peak of the holiday season and increased property neglect. In contrast, theft from the person fell by 33.3%, from six to four cases, a trend that could align with reduced foot traffic during August bank holidays. Anti-social behaviour remains the most prevalent category, at 3.7 per 1,000 residents, 157% above the UK average, a figure that would concern local businesses reliant on a stable community environment. Vehicle crime decreased by 11% compared to the UK average, suggesting that local measures in parking areas may be showing some effect.

Burnley's crime rate in August 2024 remained stable compared to July, declining marginally by 0.4% to 12.2 per 1,000 residents. This slight dip follows a month of fluctuating trends, yet the overall rate remains 48.8% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 39 crimes per day in August, highlighting the persistent demand on local policing resources. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 82 residents — a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 100,000. While this rate is consistent with the previous month, it remains significantly higher than national benchmarks, suggesting structural factors such as socio-economic conditions or local demographics may play a role in sustaining elevated crime levels despite seasonal variations.