Rural Burnley Crime Rate

Rural Burnley is a highly safe area with an overall crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This exceptional safety profile is reflected in a safety score of 90/100, far exceeding the national average benchmark of 78. The crime trend in Rural Burnley is currently stable, showing a 2.7% decrease over the past year. Because of the low population density and residential nature of the area, crime volumes are minimal. However, understanding the types of incidents that do occur can help residents maintain this high level of security. The following data provides a detailed look at the crime landscape in Rural Burnley.

In Rural Burnley, the crime profile is notably different from the urban centres. The top three crime types are violence and sexual offences (36.1%), other theft (19.4%), and anti-social behaviour (16.7%). Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents—significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Burglary accounts for 13.9% of all crimes, which is a higher proportion than in urban Burnley, despite the overall count being low. Vehicle crime is also relatively rare, making up just 5.6% of reports. For residents in these rural areas, the lower volume of crime is a significant benefit, though the specific risk of burglary and theft from outbuildings or remote properties remains a consideration for homeowners.

Rural Burnley's crime trend is stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 2.7%. The monthly data shows that crime is consistently low, with May 2025 seeing the highest rate at 7.1 per 1,000 residents. Several months, such as September 2025 (0.9), recorded almost no crime at all. This stability is a hallmark of the area, providing residents with a very predictable and safe living environment. The slight fluctuations observed are typical of areas with very small populations, where a single incident can significantly impact the monthly rate. Overall, Rural Burnley remains one of the most secure parts of the region.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Burnley

While Rural Burnley is very safe, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences (36.1% of the small total), followed by other theft and anti-social behaviour. To maintain your safety, consider these tips:

1. Secure Outbuildings and Gates: In rural settings, equipment and tools in sheds or barns can be targets for theft. Ensure all outbuildings are locked with high-quality padlocks and consider boundary alarms.
2. Night-time Property Security: 62% of night-time incidents are burglaries. Ensure your home's perimeter is well-lit and that all doors and windows are securely locked before retiring for the night.
3. Be Aware of Isolated Areas: When walking or exercising in remote parts of Rural Burnley, especially after dark, let someone know your route and expected return time.
4. Join a Rural Watch Scheme: Engaging with local community watch groups can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity or vehicle sightings in the area.
5. Mark Your Property: Using forensic marking on valuable tools and garden machinery can deter thieves and help the police return stolen items if they are recovered.

In Rural Burnley, crime is so infrequent that percentages can shift significantly with just a few incidents. However, the data shows that property crime is most likely to occur under the cover of darkness. Burglary accounts for 54% of evening reports and 62% of night-time reports. Theft is more common during the morning (68%) and afternoon (61%), likely involving the theft of items from gardens or outbuildings during the day. Vehicle crime is also more prominent at night (20%). This suggests a clear pattern where 'stealth' crimes occur at night, while 'opportunity' thefts are more frequent during the daylight hours when residents may be active but distracted.

Rural Burnley is significantly safer than the nearby urban centres of Burnley (152.5 per 1,000) and Padiham (144.7 per 1,000). While it borders these busier areas, its crime rate of 31.9 is more comparable to other rural or suburban pockets in the region. For those seeking a peaceful residential environment with minimal police activity, Rural Burnley offers a stark and positive contrast to the higher-density settlements nearby. The low crime volume here makes it one of the most secure parts of the local authority district, providing a quiet retreat from the more active urban hubs.

In Rural Burnley, the low volume of crime shouldn't lead to complacency, especially regarding property security. The property crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000, while low, is dominated by burglary in the evening and night-time hours. Traditional security systems in rural areas often suffer from a 'reactive' delay; by the time you receive a notification on a standard DIY camera, an intruder may already be on your property. For rural homeowners, proactive protection is far more effective. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to detect threats at the very edge of your property. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies potential intruders long before they reach your home or outbuildings. It can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and making it clear that the property is professionally protected. For those in Rural Burnley, moving from a system that just records footage to one that actively prevents entry is the best way to maintain the area's high safety standards.