Rural Burnley Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Rural Burnley’s crime profile in December 2023 reveals a strikingly low overall rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents—62.5% below the UK average of 7.2. This stark contrast highlights the area’s unique balance of crime types, which diverges significantly from national trends. The most common offences were public order, violence and sexual offences, and burglary, each accounting for 33.3% of the total 3 crimes reported. This distribution is unusual for a rural area, where property crimes typically dominate, and suggests a different dynamic at play. The presence of public order offences, which were 88% above the UK average, may reflect the impact of seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, party season, and extended periods of darkness. These conditions could contribute to increased disputes or incidents in public spaces, particularly in the built-up areas of Burnley. Conversely, the 66% below-average rate for violence and sexual offences aligns with the area’s rural character, where lower population density and community cohesion may reduce opportunities for such crimes. Burglary, at 157% above the UK average, underscores the vulnerability of empty homes during the holiday season—a common issue in rural areas with seasonal population shifts. The low overall crime rate, combined with these specific patterns, illustrates an area where crime is rare but not entirely absent, shaped by both local geography and the rhythms of the holiday season.

December 2023 witnessed a 100% increase in both public order offences and burglary, with each category rising from 0 to 1 incident. This shift in crime mix contrasts with the area’s usual balance, which typically sees property crimes dominating. Public order offences in December were 88% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), a stark deviation from the national trend. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences remained 66% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting a lower prevalence of violent crime in this rural setting. The absence of other crime types—such as anti-social behaviour or vehicle crime—further distinguishes Burnley’s profile. For residents, the 100% increase in burglary may signal heightened vulnerability during the holiday season, when homes are often unoccupied. This finding aligns with seasonal patterns observed in similar rural areas, where empty properties during festive periods can attract opportunistic offenders.

Rural Burnley's December 2023 crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 25.1% decrease from the previous month's 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This decline aligns with the area’s historically low crime levels, which are 62.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 0 crimes per day in December, a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up rural setting. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for roughly every 376 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that contextualises the low frequency of crime relative to the population. This level of exposure is particularly notable given Burnley’s rural character, where lower population density and community cohesion may contribute to reduced opportunities for crime. The data also highlights the importance of seasonal factors, as December’s dark evenings and holiday-related activity patterns could influence both the types and frequency of reported crimes.