Accrington Crime Rate

Accrington, an urban settlement in Hyndburn, presents a complex safety profile with an overall crime rate of 161.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 64/100. Despite the elevated crime rate, the trend direction is currently stable, showing a marginal year-over-year decrease of 0.4%. This suggests that while crime remains a visible challenge for the community, levels are not currently escalating. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns, helping residents and visitors understand the specific risks and safety trends within the Accrington area.

Crime Breakdown in Accrington

Accrington's crime profile is primarily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 1,899 incidents, or 32.4% of all reported crime. This is closely followed by anti-social behaviour, representing 29.1% of the total with 1,707 cases. Criminal damage and arson also feature significantly, making up 6.9% of the local crime landscape.

When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—the area sees a rate of 45.6 per 1,000 people. This encompasses 403 instances of criminal damage, 287 vehicle crimes, and 216 burglaries. For residents, this suggests that while personal safety is a primary concern due to high violence figures, property security remains a critical secondary focus, as theft and damage are frequent occurrences in the urban setting.

Crime Trends in Accrington

The crime rate in Accrington is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of -0.4%. Analysis of the monthly trend data shows a fluctuating pattern throughout the year. The highest crime intensity was recorded in July 2025, reaching 16.2 per 1,000 people, followed by April at 15.5. Conversely, the lowest activity was seen in January 2025 (11.0) and February 2025 (11.8).

This seasonal variation suggests that crime levels tend to rise during the warmer spring and summer months, a common trend in urban areas. The return to lower levels in the autumn and winter months, such as September (11.9), indicates a predictable cycle. For residents, this stability is a positive sign that crime is not spiralling, though the baseline remains high, requiring continued vigilance and consistent investment in community safety.

How To Keep Safe in Accrington

The highest crime category in Accrington is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.4% of all reports. To enhance your personal safety in the area, consider the following practical steps:

1. Stay Aware in Nightlife Zones: When walking near the town centre or transport hubs during late hours, stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid using shortcuts through unlit alleys or parks.
2. Use Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a mobile safety app that allows you to share your live location with trusted contacts when travelling alone at night.
3. Plan Your Travel: Pre-book taxis or use reputable ride-sharing services rather than walking long distances alone after dark, particularly if you have been consuming alcohol.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, move toward a public space, such as a shop or petrol station, and seek assistance if necessary.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: Always report unusual behaviour or anti-social incidents to the police to help them allocate resources more effectively to high-risk zones.

Crime Timing in Accrington

Crime in Accrington follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 36% of offences as retail activity begins. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft rises to 41% and burglary peaks at 22%. As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, dominate at 48%. The late-night hours (12am - 6am) see a significant spike in vehicle crime, which constitutes 43% of all reports during this period. These figures suggest that property and retail-related crimes are daytime risks, while vehicle security is the paramount concern overnight.

When comparing Accrington to its immediate neighbours, it holds the highest crime rate in the vicinity at 161.8 per 1,000 residents. Nearby Church is the most similar with a rate of 157.6, followed by Oswaldtwistle at 124.9. The contrast becomes more pronounced when looking at Clayton-le-Moors, which sits at 109.0, and Huncoat, which is significantly safer with a rate of 83.9. This data indicates that Accrington serves as the primary hub for crime activity in the local cluster, likely due to its higher population density and commercial concentration compared to the more suburban or rural surrounding areas.

Home Security in Accrington

With a property crime rate of 45.6 per 1,000 residents, Accrington homeowners face a tangible risk of burglary and vehicle theft. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV and standard alarms, often fail because they are reactive; they record the event but do little to stop it. By the time you receive a notification from a DIY camera, a burglar has often already gained entry. To truly protect your property in a high-rate area like Accrington, a shift toward proactive security is essential.

Implementing an AI-powered operating system like scOS transforms your home's defence. Rather than just providing footage of a crime after the fact, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, activating autonomous responses like lighting and audio warnings before a break-in occurs. In an area where most burglars make a decision in under a minute, the visible presence of a professional, proactive system like scOS is the most effective way to ensure they move on to an easier target.