Oswaldtwistle Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Oswaldtwistle during January 2026 stood at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, 64% above the UK average for this category. This stark divergence from national trends highlights a significant local challenge, particularly in a built-up area where social interactions are concentrated. The overall crime rate of 9.7 per 1,000 residents places Oswaldtwistle 42.6% above the UK average of 6.8, reflecting a combination of local factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.9% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.3%) and burglary (10.5%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000), which are 257% and 147% below Oswaldtwistle’s rates, respectively. Seasonal context suggests that January’s shorter days and post-holiday environment may contribute to the higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, as community cohesion and informal surveillance mechanisms may weaken during colder months. The absence of a significant retail season in January, combined with the area’s built-up character, likely reduces opportunities for shoplifting but may amplify tensions in public spaces. This profile underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-impact categories, particularly where local conditions appear to amplify risks beyond national trends.

Burglary rates surged by 800% in January 2026, rising from one incident to nine, a dramatic shift that may reflect seasonal vulnerabilities in household security during colder months. This increase contrasts with a 57.1% decline in shoplifting, which fell from seven to three, potentially linked to reduced retail footfall and the absence of holiday shopping activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime doubled from four to eight incidents, a 100% increase that could be tied to the area’s commuter infrastructure or changes in parking patterns during winter. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category, decreased by 12.2% from 41 to 36, a modest but notable reduction that may indicate the effectiveness of targeted policing efforts or community initiatives. Anti-social behaviour remains high, with rates 147% above the UK average, suggesting that local social dynamics or environmental factors may contribute to persistent disorder. These shifts highlight the need for a nuanced approach to crime prevention, addressing both the spikes in property crimes and the enduring challenges in reducing anti-social behaviour.

Oswaldtwistle’s crime rate in January 2026 (9.7 per 1,000 residents) represented a 2.4% increase from the previous month’s rate of 9.5, a small but measurable rise. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day, a figure that, while not alarmingly high, reflects a consistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than some urban centres, remains significantly higher than the UK average when considering the disproportionate prevalence of violent and property crimes. With a population of 8,833, the 86 total crimes reported in January equate to a density of activity that may feel more pronounced to residents due to the concentration of incidents in specific categories. This context suggests that while the overall rate is not exceptionally high on a national scale, the types of crimes reported—particularly violence and burglary—carry a greater weight in terms of community impact. The comparison to the previous month’s rate underscores the need for sustained vigilance, as even modest increases in crime can have tangible effects on local perceptions of safety and quality of life.