Great Harwood Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Great Harwood's crime rate in February 2026 reached 7.2 per 1,000 residents, 12.5% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure highlights a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Hyndburn, where the local crime profile remains elevated despite a 22.6% month-on-month decline. The most significant category, violence and sexual offences (36 cases), accounted for 45.6% of all crimes reported, a rate 42% above the UK average. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK-wide trend, where property crimes typically dominate. Shoplifting (10 cases) also stood out, with a 233.3% surge from January and a rate 55% above the national average. The seasonal context of February—characterised by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced these patterns, though the sharp rise in violent crime suggests additional factors at play. The area's built-up nature, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, likely contributes to the prominence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the UK average for anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000) was 23% lower than Great Harwood's rate (0.7 per 1,000), indicating localised challenges in managing public order. The overall crime rate, while showing a monthly decline, remains a concern for residents, particularly given the significant increases in robbery and other theft. These trends warrant attention from local authorities and community groups as they work to address underlying issues.

February 2026 marked a sharp increase in shoplifting, which surged by 233.3% to 10 incidents, and a 100% rise in robbery cases, with 5 reported. These spikes occurred against a backdrop of a 22.6% overall monthly decline from January's rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime category, accounting for 45.6% of total crimes, was 42% above the UK average at 3.3 per 1,000. This contrasted with vehicle crime, which fell 80% to 1 incident, a figure 71% below the UK average. The shift in crime mix towards violent offences over property crimes may reflect local factors, such as seasonal social dynamics or changes in community activity. Residents should be particularly aware of increased risks in retail areas, where shoplifting has risen dramatically. The 456% spike in robbery cases, though based on a small base (from 0 to 5), underscores the need for heightened vigilance in public spaces.

February 2026 saw a 22.6% decrease in Great Harwood's crime rate compared to the previous month, dropping from 9.3 to 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal lull observed in winter months. above the UK average. Locally, 3 crimes were reported daily on average, translating to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 139 residents. This figure is lower than the national average, which would require a different population context to compare directly. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the rate is elevated, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable for a community of 10,955. The drop in vehicle crime (-80%) and anti-social behaviour (-57.9%) suggests targeted interventions may have had an effect, though the sharp rise in shoplifting and robbery complicates this narrative. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in retail areas, as these increases may indicate emerging patterns linked to local dynamics.