Great Harwood Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Great Harwood recorded 111 crimes across its population of 10,955 residents, translating to a crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 — 31.2% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate underscores a community grappling with a high level of criminal activity compared to the national average. The most prevalent crime types were anti-social behaviour (26.1% of total crimes), violence and sexual offences (25.2%), and vehicle crime (24.3%). Anti-social behaviour, in particular, stood out as a major concern, with its rate 121% above the UK average. This category’s dominance may be linked to the area’s character as a built-up district within Hyndburn, where public spaces and community interactions could amplify such incidents. The seasonal context of April — marked by Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity — may have contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour, as well as the notable 285.7% increase in vehicle crime. This surge in vehicle-related offences could be tied to heightened traffic during the Easter period or vulnerabilities in local parking infrastructure. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 10% below the UK average, suggesting that retail areas in Great Harwood may have implemented effective deterrents or benefited from lower local demand for such crimes. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which increased by 600% from March, indicates a more alarming trend, driven by seasonal factors or localized issues such as property neglect or targeted vandalism. These patterns highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in managing vehicle crime and addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour, while leveraging the relative success in reducing shoplifting as a model for broader crime prevention.

April 2024 saw a dramatic 285.7% increase in vehicle crime, rising from seven to 27 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 600% surge in criminal damage and arson, points to a shift in criminal activity patterns. Vehicle crime in Great Harwood is now 432% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the national rate of 0.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also dominated, accounting for 26.1% of all crimes, with its rate 121% above the UK average. This category’s prominence may partly explain the overall elevated crime rate, as anti-social behaviour often escalates during periods of increased public activity, such as Easter events. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained below the UK average, with a 10% deficit. This divergence suggests that while some areas of the town face acute challenges, others, like retail spaces, may benefit from lower-than-expected theft rates, due to local policing initiatives or community engagement strategies.

In April 2024, Great Harwood’s crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents marked an 81.9% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000. This surge positions the area significantly above the UK average, which stood at 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four crimes per day, translating to a local monthly exposure of one reported crime for roughly every 99 residents. While this figure may seem abstract, it underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of just over 10,955 people. The sharp rise in crime is particularly evident in categories like vehicle crime and criminal damage, which saw massive month-on-month increases. For residents, the data highlights the need for vigilance, especially in areas with high vehicle traffic or public spaces prone to anti-social behaviour. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the rate of crime is not just a statistical anomaly but a tangible challenge affecting daily life, requiring targeted community and policing efforts.