Great Harwood Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Great Harwood, a built-up area within Hyndburn, reported a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents—21.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure places the area in the safer half of the country, though local conditions and community dynamics likely contribute to this disparity. The dominant crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.9% of all reported incidents (22 crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (14 crimes, 20.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10 crimes, 14.5%). These patterns suggest a mix of social and environmental factors influencing crime in the area. The seasonal context of October—marked by shorter days, the transition to winter, and Halloween activities—may have played a role in shaping crime trends. While violence and sexual offences remained 26% below the UK average, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage showed notable deviations: the former was 2% above the national rate, and the latter 43% above. This contrast highlights the combination of local conditions and broader UK crime patterns. The area's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average could be attributed to factors such as community cohesion, effective policing, or the absence of high-risk environments like major transport hubs or tourist attractions. However, the significant increase in shoplifting and vehicle crime in October underscores the need for targeted interventions during peak shopping and seasonal periods. Overall, Great Harwood's crime profile reflects a balance between local challenges and the benefits of a relatively stable, low-crime environment.

October 2023 saw a striking 200% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 2 to 6. This surge aligns with Halloween shopping patterns and the area's retail presence, which may attract opportunistic offenders during the festive season. Concurrently, vehicle crime doubled, with 3 incidents in September rising to 6 in October—a shift that could reflect increased car ownership or changes in parking habits. Conversely, drug-related offences plummeted by 80%, from 5 to 1, a decline consistent with broader UK trends in illicit substance use. Violence and sexual offences remained 26% below the UK average at 2.0 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) hovered just 2% above the national rate. The sharp drop in burglary (from 4 to 1) suggests effective local policing or increased community vigilance, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions.

Great Harwood's crime rate in October 2023 fell to 6.3 per 1,000 residents, a 22.4% decrease from the previous month's 8.1 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of October, when darker evenings and Halloween activities may influence reporting trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in October, a figure that, while consistent with local rhythms, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 159 residents, highlighting the relatively low exposure to crime in this built-up area. When compared to the UK population-scaled perspective, Great Harwood's 6.3 per 1,000 rate places it firmly in the safer half of the country, though local factors such as community engagement and policing strategies may contribute to this disparity. The drop from August's rate suggests a possible seasonal lull, though the area's crime profile remains distinct due to its unique demographic and geographic characteristics.