Great Harwood Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

September 2024 saw Great Harwood record 114 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 residents — 35.1% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure places the area in a starkly different position compared to the national average, with violent crimes dominating the landscape at 42.1% of all recorded incidents. Violence and sexual offences were the most common category, followed closely by anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 28.1% of total crimes. These trends may be influenced by the seasonal context of September, which marks the start of the academic year and the return of students to the area. The presence of a large student population in Great Harwood — a built-up area within Hyndburn — could contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes, as seen in the sharp rise in shoplifting. However, the area also recorded several categories below the UK average, including shoplifting (41% below), public order offences (29% below), and other theft (43% below), suggesting a mixed picture of criminal activity. The seasonal transition may have also played a role, with increased foot traffic in retail areas driving shoplifting, while the start of term could heighten social tensions contributing to anti-social behaviour. Despite these challenges, the data also indicates that certain crime types, such as burglary and theft from the person, remained below the UK average, pointing to potential strengths in local policing or community initiatives that may be worth exploring further.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in September 2024 was a 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from one reported incident to four. This sharp rise may partly explain the broader trend of property crimes accounting for 24.6% of all recorded crimes, compared to 42.1% for violent crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate of 4.4 per 1,000 — 68% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also surged, with a 148% gap between Great Harwood’s rate (2.9 per 1,000) and the UK average (1.2 per 1,000). Conversely, shoplifting — though rising sharply — still remained 41% below the UK average rate of 0.7 per 1,000. Other notable shifts included a 100% increase in drugs-related crimes and a 100% rise in robberies, both of which moved from zero to one and two incidents respectively. These changes suggest a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, such as the back-to-school period and the influx of students in the area.

Great Harwood’s crime rate in September 2024 rose by 9.7% compared to August, climbing from 9.5 to 10.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as the transition from summer to autumn often sees shifts in criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day over the 30-day period, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity despite fluctuations in specific categories. When considering the population context, one crime was reported for every 96 residents during the month, underscoring the local impact of crime. While this figure does not directly compare to UK-wide data, it highlights the relative scale of crime within Great Harwood. The monthly exposure statistic provides a clear snapshot for residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents in a way that aligns with local rhythms, such as back-to-school activity and the start of term-related events.