Burnley Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Burnley, 12.6 crimes were reported in May 2024, placing the local authority 50% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of encountering crime that is roughly 40 times higher than the UK national average for this month. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.2% of all crimes), anti-social behaviour (29.0%), and criminal damage and arson (7.3%). These figures may partly explain the heightened sense of risk residents face, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late evenings when outdoor socialising increases. Violence and sexual offences in Burnley were 44% above the UK average, with 4.1 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2.8 per 1,000. This disparity could reflect local factors such as the town's industrial heritage, which may contribute to social tensions, or the presence of community spaces that see concentrated activity during warmer months. Anti-social behaviour, at 3.7 per 1,000, was 155% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public areas. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings and increased outdoor drinking—may amplify these trends. Burnley's crime profile thus illustrates a combination of local demographics, environmental factors, and seasonal rhythms, all of which shape the everyday experience of risk for residents.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting decreasing by 31.8% (from 129 to 88 incidents) and bicycle theft rising by 66.7% (from 3 to 5). The drop in shoplifting may indicate effective policing in retail areas or a seasonal shift as warmer weather reduces the need for indoor shopping. Conversely, the sharp increase in bicycle theft could reflect growing cycling activity during spring, a trend consistent with national patterns where warmer months correlate with higher rates of bicycle-related crime. Anti-social behaviour remained high, with 3.7 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This 155% gap may be linked to Burnley's urban density and the concentration of social hubs in the town centre. Public order offences were 5% below the UK average, a rare positive deviation that could be attributed to local initiatives or community engagement efforts. The crime mix also shifted slightly towards violent crime, with violence and sexual offences comprising 32.2% of all incidents—higher than the UK average share of 44% for this category. Residents may find the 31.8% drop in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it suggests a reduced risk in retail environments during this period.

Burnley's crime rate in May 2024 (12.6 per 1,000) remained stable compared to the previous month's rate of 12.5 per 1,000, indicating no significant month-on-month change. However, this rate is higher than the UK average, with residents facing a risk level that is 50% greater than the national benchmark. On a daily basis, Burnley experienced approximately 40 crimes per day in May, a figure that, while locally contextualised, highlights the persistent demand on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 79 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not uncommon for urban areas, underscores the need for community vigilance. This 1-in-79 statistic is particularly relevant for residents considering long-term safety planning or community engagement. When viewed through the lens of population size (99,233 residents), Burnley's crime rate suggests a high burden of violence and anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average. While the previous month's rate was nearly identical, the stability of the overall figure does not negate the stark contrasts with national benchmarks, which remain a critical consideration for local authorities and residents alike.