Padiham Crime Rate

Padiham currently has an overall crime rate of 144.7 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This contributes to a safety score of 68/100, placing Padiham below the national average safety benchmark of 78. Despite these figures, the crime trend in Padiham is classified as stable, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 1.3%. This suggests that while the frequency of reported incidents is elevated, the situation is not currently worsening. Residents and visitors can use the following detailed breakdown to understand the most common crime types in Padiham and how they vary by time of day and season.

In Padiham, the crime landscape is dominated by two main categories: violence and sexual offences (33.9%) and anti-social behaviour (33.6%). Combined, these account for over two-thirds of all reported crime. Criminal damage and arson is the third most significant type at 8.6%. Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a rate of 34.4 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 32.9. While individual property crime types like burglary (3.7%) and vehicle crime (3.7%) have lower percentages compared to the top two, the overall property crime rate indicates that residents should maintain a high standard of home security. The high prevalence of anti-social behaviour also suggests that community-level disturbances are a frequent concern for the local population.

Padiham's crime trend is currently stable, with a 1.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The monthly data shows that crime peaked in August 2025 at 14.7 per 1,000 residents, followed by July 2025 at 14.2. The lowest point in the year was September 2025, when the rate dropped to 9.1. This pattern suggests a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, but the overall trajectory remains consistent. For residents, this stability indicates a predictable safety environment, though the summer peak highlights a time for increased awareness.

How To Keep Safe in Padiham

The most prevalent crime type in Padiham is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.9% of all reported incidents. To enhance your safety in the town, consider the following:

1. Be Mindful in the Evening: When walking through the town centre at night, stick to main roads and well-lit paths. Avoid isolated areas and shortcuts through parks or alleyways.
2. Secure Your Vehicle Overnight: Vehicle crime accounts for 32% of night-time incidents. Always park in a garage or well-lit driveway if possible, and never leave valuables inside.
3. Lock Up During the Day: With 24% of burglaries occurring in the afternoon, it is essential to keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just in the garden or away for a short period.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB makes up 33.6% of local crime. Reporting incidents to the police helps them allocate resources to hotspots and can prevent more serious offences from occurring.
5. Use Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a mobile app that allows you to share your location with friends or family when walking home, providing an extra layer of security.

Padiham's crime data reveals clear time-based patterns. Theft and shoplifting are most common during the morning (33%) and afternoon (36%), likely linked to Padiham's retail and commercial activity. In contrast, vehicle crime is a major concern at night, making up 32% of all reports between 12am and 6am. Burglary risks are highest in the afternoon (24%) and night (23%), suggesting that criminals target homes both during working hours and while residents are asleep. The evening hours see a high percentage of 'other' crimes (55%), which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, often peaking as people gather in public spaces or around local venues.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Padiham has a higher crime rate at 144.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly more than Hapton (85.1) and Read (42.7). Nearby areas like Simonstone and Altham report no significant crime in this dataset, highlighting Padiham's position as a busier urban hub. While Padiham offers more local amenities and commercial activity, it also experiences a higher concentration of police reports than the more rural and residential villages surrounding it. For those looking for a quieter environment, the neighbouring villages offer a lower statistical risk, though Padiham remains the primary centre for services and activity in the immediate area.

In Padiham, where the property crime rate is 34.4 per 1,000 residents, homeowners should consider the effectiveness of their security. Traditional CCTV and doorbell cameras are often reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For real peace of mind, proactive protection is required. The scOS operating system uses AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can escalate. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously respond with lights and speakers, deterring the criminal before they reach your door. This is particularly effective against the afternoon and night-time burglaries that are common in Padiham. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention ensures that your home is not just watched, but actively protected.