Oswaldtwistle Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 8,833, 116 crimes in May 2024 translates to a crime rate of 13.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 56% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime categories, where violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.4% of all recorded incidents. These offences, at 5.4 per 1,000, were 90% above the national average, reflecting a significant local challenge in addressing public safety. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, contributed 18.1% of all crimes and was 66% above the UK average, suggesting a pattern of persistent disorder in public spaces. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight hours—may likely contribute to the increased incidence of outdoor drinking and socialising, which could in turn drive anti-social behaviour and related offences. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.3 per 1,000, were also higher than the UK average, indicating a potential correlation with local property vulnerabilities or community tensions. While the overall crime rate is elevated, the breakdown shows a mixed picture, with some categories such as public order offences (52% below UK average) performing better than expected. This contrast may reflect localised efforts or environmental factors that mitigate certain types of offending. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where violent and anti-social crimes are concentrated, while also acknowledging the relative stability in other categories. The combination of these factors paints a complex but actionable picture for local authorities and residents alike.

May 2024 saw dramatic month-on-month increases in vehicle crime (+300%), public order offences (+200%), and possession of weapons (+200%), reflecting a sharp shift in the crime mix. These surges, particularly in vehicle crime, may be linked to seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences, at 5.4 per 1,000, were 90% above the UK average, with anti-social behaviour also significantly outpacing national rates by 66%. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 50%, from 2 to 1 incident, a drop that could indicate a temporary reduction in targeted theft. The data also reveals a stark contrast in public order offences, which were 52% below the UK average, suggesting a more stable environment in this category despite the overall rise in crime. For residents, the 300% increase in vehicle crime highlights a specific risk during peak hours in local car parks and roadside areas.

Oswaldtwistle's crime rate in May 2024 rose sharply to 13.1 per 1,000 residents, a 59% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.3 per 1,000. This places the area 56% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence from national trends. Daily crime activity averaged 4 incidents per day in May, a figure that, while not uncommon for a built-up area, reflects a concentrated pattern of offending. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 76 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population. This statistic, when contextualised against the area's population of 8,833, illustrates the tangible impact of crime on local residents, particularly in areas where high-frequency offences such as violence and anti-social behaviour are concentrated. The contrast with the UK average is most striking in violent crime categories, where local rates are nearly double the national figure, suggesting a unique challenge in maintaining public safety.