Great Harwood Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking development in May 2023 was the 200% surge in shoplifting, rising from one incident to three. This sharp increase in retail-related crime contrasts with broader trends, as anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents, Great Harwood recorded a 5% increase above the UK average of 8.0. Anti-social behaviour (3.1 per 1,000) was 133% above the UK average, while violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) were 14% below the national rate. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. This built-up area within Hyndburn, likely influenced by its retail presence and community dynamics, shows a mix of localised spikes and national trends. The balance between property and violent crimes remains skewed, with property-related offences (24 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (26 incidents). These patterns suggest a need for targeted interventions in high-traffic areas during peak social hours.

Shoplifting saw an unprecedented 200% increase in May, jumping from one to three incidents. This rise, combined with a 133% surge in other theft (from three to seven), highlights a shift in property crime dynamics. Meanwhile, vehicle crime plummeted by 75% (from 12 to three), and burglary dropped 66.7% (from nine to three), suggesting possible improvements in security measures or reduced opportunities during the month. Anti-social behaviour remains significantly above the UK average, at 3.1 per 1,000 (133% above), while violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) were 14% below the national rate. This divergence underscores the area's unique challenges, with public order offences (0.3 per 1,000) 55% below the UK average, potentially reflecting local policing efforts. For residents, the 200% rise in shoplifting may signal a need for heightened vigilance in retail zones, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Great Harwood's crime rate in May 2023 (8.4 per 1,000) was a 2.1% decline from the previous month's rate of 8.6 per 1,000. This slight reduction contrasts with the 5% increase above the UK average, illustrating a combination of local and national trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly three crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, remains relevant for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 119 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised with the population of 10,955, suggests a relatively low but persistent risk. The previous month's slightly higher rate may reflect temporary factors such as weather patterns or event-related activity, which could have diminished in May. This comparison to the prior month's figures offers a nuanced view of the area's crime profile, showing that while overall rates are stable, specific categories like shoplifting can exhibit dramatic fluctuations.