Burnley Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Burnley's crime rate in September 2025 was 11.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 52.7% above the UK average of 7.4. This stark divergence from national trends reflects the area's unique character as a post-industrial town with a legacy of economic decline that continues to influence crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.2% of all crimes, a rate 28% higher than the UK average, while anti-social behaviour—30% of all incidents—remained 156% above the national average. These figures align with Burnley's historical challenges, including high unemployment rates and the concentration of deprivation in certain neighbourhoods. The seasonal context of September, with the return of students to universities and the start of the academic year, likely contributed to the 10.9% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average. This month also saw a 70% rise in criminal damage and arson, a figure that may be connected to the town's older housing stock and the lack of investment in community infrastructure. While the overall crime rate remains elevated, the data suggests a nuanced picture: violent crime and disorder dominate, but property-related offences are also significant. The seasonal transition—nights drawing in and the shift from summer to autumn—may have influenced both the frequency and type of crime, with public spaces becoming less populated as the weather turned cooler. These patterns highlight the need for targeted strategies that address both the immediate causes of crime and the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to Burnley's elevated rates compared to the rest of the UK.

September saw a dramatic 800% increase in theft from the person, rising from one incident to nine. This spike, though small in absolute terms, reflects a troubling shift in criminal activity that may be linked to the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in town centres. Conversely, public order offences fell by 47.2%, with incidents dropping from 89 to 47—a decline that could be attributed to seasonal changes as evenings grew darker and university students returned to campus. Anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 26.8% of all crimes, remains 156% above the UK average, a disparity that suggests ongoing challenges in community policing and youth engagement. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes decreased by 31%, from 29 to 20, a shift that may indicate the effectiveness of recent local initiatives or a natural fluctuation in illicit activity. These contrasting trends illustrate the combination of factors influencing Burnley's crime profile.

Burnley's crime rate in September 2025 fell by 17.3% compared to the previous month, declining from 13.7 to 11.3 per 1,000 residents. This reduction, though still significantly above the UK average of 7.4, suggests some stabilisation in the local crime picture. Daily crime statistics reveal 37 crimes reported each day in September, a figure that, while high, remains consistent with the area's historical trends. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 88 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the persistent challenge of crime in a community of nearly 100,000 people. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 52.7% gap between Burnley's rate and the UK average underscores the need for targeted local interventions, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence remain elevated. This comparison reveals a stark contrast to national trends, with Burnley's post-industrial landscape likely contributing to patterns that diverge from more affluent or suburban regions.