Burnley Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Burnley’s February 2026 crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents places it 54.7% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark deviation from national norms is driven by violent crimes, which account for 37.9% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, may be linked to the area’s post-industrial character and concentrated population in central districts, where social tensions can amplify during winter months. Anti-social behaviour (14.6% of total crimes) and shoplifting (11.4%) follow closely, both far exceeding UK averages. These patterns suggest a combination of local demographics and economic conditions. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may partially explain the relative stability in property crimes compared to the sharp rise in violent and public order offences. However, the absence of major seasonal events or holidays in Burnley during this period raises questions about other contributing factors, such as the area’s historical challenges with deprivation and social fragmentation. The data also reveals that while vehicle crime is slightly below the UK average, other theft-related offences like burglary and criminal damage remain high, reflecting ongoing vulnerabilities in residential areas.

February 2026 saw a sharp 90.9% increase in public order offences, rising from 44 to 84 incidents. This jump, which outpaces all other categories, may reflect heightened tensions during the pre-spring lull or increased foot traffic in areas with high retail presence. Shoplifting also rose by 42.3% (78 to 111), a figure that is 90% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This suggests continued pressure on local businesses, possibly linked to seasonal shopping patterns or economic factors. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 52.9% (34 to 16), a drop that could indicate shifts in local drug markets or increased enforcement. Vehicle crime in Burnley (0.3 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average, a contrast that may reflect lower commuter traffic or improved vehicle security measures in the area.

Burnley's crime rate in February 2026 fell by 8.1% compared to January 2026, dropping from 10.7 to 9.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime figures show 35 crimes reported each day in February, a consistent metric for local context. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 101 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for Burnley’s population of 99,233. When compared to the UK average, Burnley’s rate remains significantly higher, but the month-on-month decrease suggests potential stabilisation in local crime trends. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Burnley’s rate is above national levels, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable relative to its size. This comparison highlights the importance of viewing crime statistics through both local and national lenses to avoid overgeneralisation.