Burnley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Burnley’s crime profile in January 2026 was defined by a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the overall rate of 10.7 per 1,000 residents—57.4% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.5% of all crimes, far exceeding their share in the UK, where they constitute 36.8% of total crimes. This overrepresentation of violent crime may be influenced by a combination of local factors, including socioeconomic conditions and seasonal dynamics. January’s post-holiday period, characterised by reduced retail footfall and shorter days, likely contributed to lower property crime rates. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also exceeded UK averages by 104% and 67% respectively, suggesting that community tensions and environmental issues may be exacerbating local challenges. The seasonal context of January—typically marked by colder weather and fewer outdoor activities—may have shifted the focus of criminal activity toward more immediate, interpersonal conflicts. This pattern contrasts with areas where property crime often dominates, particularly in regions with higher retail turnover or tourist activity. Burnley’s data highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the specific drivers of violent crime, while also acknowledging the influence of broader seasonal and environmental factors on crime trends.

January 2026 saw a sharp 200% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 4 to 12, a surge that may reflect heightened tensions during the post-holiday period. Simultaneously, theft from the person doubled, with a 100% increase from 2 to 4 incidents, suggesting a possible uptick in opportunistic crimes in public spaces. Conversely, burglary and criminal damage and arson both declined significantly—burglary dropped by 42.2% to 67 incidents, and criminal damage and arson fell by 22.7% to 75. These decreases may be linked to seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity and tighter community monitoring during colder months. The violent crime rate in Burnley was 72% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 40.5% of all crimes. This stark contrast to the UK average, where such offences make up only 36.8% of total crimes, indicates a more pronounced issue with violent crime in Burnley. Residents might find the 100% increase in bicycle theft, from 5 to 9, particularly concerning, as it highlights vulnerabilities in local security measures for personal property.

Burnley’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 4.9% compared to December 2025, dropping from 11.3 to 10.7 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in the area, where reduced retail footfall and shorter days during winter months often correlate with lower property crime rates. However, the overall rate remains significantly elevated compared to the UK average, highlighting persistent local challenges. On a daily basis, Burnley experienced approximately 34 crimes per day in January, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 93 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, is higher than many comparable areas. When contextualised against Burnley’s population of 99,233, this suggests that crime remains a regular, though not overwhelming, presence in daily life. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that while the rate has decreased slightly, the absolute number of incidents remains substantial, warranting continued attention from local authorities.