Great Harwood Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Great Harwood recorded a crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.7% above the UK average of 7.5. This rate reflects a complex balance between property and violent crime, with 32 property-related offences and 31 violent crimes reported. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (35.2% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.3%) and shoplifting (11.4%). Seasonal factors may partly explain these trends, as November’s darker evenings and the Black Friday shopping period could contribute to increased anti-social behaviour and retail crime. The area’s crime profile suggests a small urban environment where commercial activity and residential density intersect, creating conditions for both property-related and interpersonal crime. Violence and sexual offences in Great Harwood exceeded the UK average by 8%, while anti-social behaviour was 52% higher than the national benchmark. This imbalance between property and violent crime may indicate underlying social tensions or pressures in the community. The data also highlights the importance of targeted policing strategies in high-traffic retail zones and public spaces, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are concentrated. As the month progressed, the combination of reduced daylight and pre-Christmas consumer activity likely amplified these trends, reinforcing the need for community-focused crime prevention initiatives.

November 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in crime patterns, with burglary increasing by 800% (from 1 to 9 incidents) and shoplifting rising by 66.7% (from 6 to 10). These sharp increases contrast with decreases in criminal damage and arson, which fell by 90% (from 10 to 1), and vehicle crime, which dropped by 33.3% (from 6 to 4). The property crime/violent crime balance in Great Harwood was strikingly even, with 32 property-related offences and 31 violent crimes reported. This parity is unusual for a small urban area, where property crime typically dominates. The data also reveals stark deviations from UK averages: anti-social behaviour was 52% above the national rate, and burglary was 135% higher than the UK average. For residents, the sharp rise in burglary may signal vulnerabilities in home security or increased transient populations during the month. The contrast between rising property crimes and falling vehicle crime could reflect shifts in criminal activity, such as a focus on retail targets over vehicle-related offences. These trends may be influenced by seasonal factors, including the timing of Black Friday sales and the extended darkness of November evenings, which could heighten opportunities for opportunistic crimes.

Great Harwood’s November 2023 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 27.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.3, indicating a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day, translating to a monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 124 residents. This figure provides context for residents, showing that while the rate is above average, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low given the area’s population of 10,955. The 6.7% gap between Great Harwood’s rate and the UK average highlights localised factors influencing crime, such as the area’s built-up character and proximity to retail hubs. When compared to the previous month, the sharp rise in property crime—particularly burglary—suggests a need for closer monitoring of residential areas during periods of increased foot traffic or economic activity. The monthly exposure figure also underscores that most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly. increase from October raises questions about what may have shifted in the local environment. This could include changes in policing strategies, community dynamics, or seasonal influences like the timing of holidays and shopping events, which may have created new opportunities for criminal activity.