Burnley Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Burnley’s crime profile in December 2025, accounting for 32.5% of all reported crimes and standing at 3.7 per 1,000 residents—44% above the UK average. This stark figure underscores the area’s elevated risk profile, driven in part by the seasonal context of December: dark evenings, the Christmas shopping peak, and the party season. The overall crime rate of 11.3 per 1,000 residents places Burnley 61.4% above the UK average, reflecting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Anti-social behaviour (234 incidents, 20.9% of total) and burglary (116 incidents, 10.4% of total) also feature prominently, with both categories far exceeding national averages. These patterns may be influenced by Burnley’s character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where social cohesion and economic factors could contribute to higher rates of disorder and property crime. The seasonal context of December—when retail and leisure activity surge—likely amplifies tensions in public spaces and increases opportunities for theft, particularly in high-footfall areas. The data also highlights the need for targeted policing strategies during the festive period, as the combination of holiday-related disruptions and existing socioeconomic challenges appears to drive crime rates upward.

December saw sharp increases in burglary (+90.2%), shoplifting (+59.3%), and vehicle crime (+58.3%), with burglary rising from 61 to 116 incidents. These jumps are consistent with seasonal patterns, as empty homes during the festive period may have contributed to property crime. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 66.7% (6 to 2), possibly linked to reduced foot traffic in retail areas during Christmas. Violence and sexual offences remain significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 3.7 per 1,000 (44% higher than the national 2.6 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour also surged, with 234 incidents reported—158% above the UK average. This suggests a potential link to the party season and increased social gatherings in the area. For residents, the 116 reported burglaries highlight the need for heightened vigilance in securing homes during the holidays.

Burnley's December 2025 crime rate of 11.3 per 1,000 residents marks a 10.6% increase from the previous month’s 10.2 per 1,000, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 36 reported crimes each day in December, a figure that underscores the persistent pressure on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 89 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 100,000. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, which aligns with Burnley’s elevated overall crime rate. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher likelihood of encountering crime compared to the national average, particularly in property-related offences that have surged this month. This context may help residents understand the urgency of community safety initiatives and the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.