Accrington Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Accrington’s crime profile, accounting for nearly 36% of all reported incidents in May 2023. At 14.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate is 77.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a significant deviation from national trends. This stark contrast underscores the area’s unique challenges, likely influenced by its status as a built-up area within Hyndburn, where urban density and social dynamics may intersect with higher levels of antisocial activity. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, remain 83% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour follows closely at 223% above the national figure. These figures suggest a persistent issue with public order and interpersonal conflict, potentially exacerbated by seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased socialising during May’s bank holidays. The area’s crime picture also shows a complex mix of property and violent crime, with property offences contributing 23.7% of total incidents but remaining relatively lower than violent crimes. This imbalance may be tied to Accrington’s character as a mixed-use urban centre, where high-street retail and community spaces could contribute to both property and violent crime trends. While shoplifting rates fell by 40.7% compared to April, the overall trajectory of violent crime remains a pressing concern for local authorities and residents.

May 2023 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with theft from the person, bicycle theft, and robbery all doubling from April figures. This surge, though small in absolute terms, highlights vulnerabilities in personal safety and property protection. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 40.7%, potentially reflecting heightened policing efforts or seasonal shifts in retail activity. The area’s violent crime rate remains 83% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, is 223% above the national average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Daily crime counts averaged 17 incidents per day in May, a figure that could inform local residents about the frequency of crime in their neighbourhood. While shoplifting rates dropped, other categories like criminal damage and arson fell by 17.4%, due to temporary factors such as weather conditions or community initiatives. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns, which may be influenced by both local conditions and broader societal trends.

Accrington’s crime rate in May 2023 rose by 13.5% compared to April, climbing from 12.5 to 14.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest in percentage terms, translates to a meaningful rise in absolute numbers, with 514 crimes reported across 36,258 residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 17 crimes per day, a statistic that provides a tangible sense of the pace at which incidents occur. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 71 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Accrington among the higher-risk areas in the UK. When compared to the UK average, the disparity is stark: for every 100 residents, Accrington experiences 14.2 crimes, compared to the national average of 8.0. This gap is most pronounced in violent and anti-social crime categories, where local rates are significantly higher. The population context also matters: with 36,258 residents, even a small percentage increase in crime can have a tangible impact on community safety. These figures suggest a need for sustained focus on policing strategies and community engagement to address the root causes of crime in this built-up area.