Carnforth Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Carnforth recorded 20 crimes across a population of 5,508 residents, translating to a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000—a figure 50% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This low rate is particularly striking for a built-up area within Lancaster, where urban density might typically correlate with higher crime levels. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (8 incidents, 40% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (6, 30%) and shoplifting (4, 20%). The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the presence of empty homes during the holiday period—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the 38.5% decrease in violent crime from November (13 to 8 incidents) may reflect reduced public gatherings during the festive season. Conversely, the 50% increase in anti-social behaviour could be tied to heightened social interactions in the town centre during the holiday period, despite the overall drop in crime. Shoplifting's 33.3% rise (from 3 to 4 incidents) may also be linked to increased retail activity, though the relatively low numbers suggest that such offences remain sporadic in this area. Carnforth's crime profile thus illustrates a combination of seasonal factors and the area's specific characteristics, including its limited commercial density and proximity to rural landscapes.

December 2023 saw a 38.5% reduction in violence and sexual offences, from 13 to 8 incidents, a shift that may partly explain the overall decline in the area's crime rate. Anti-social behaviour increased by 50% (4 to 6), a rise that contrasts with the broader downward trend and suggests localized pressures during the festive season. Shoplifting also rose by 33.3% (3 to 4), potentially linked to increased foot traffic during Christmas shopping. Violent crime remains 43% below the UK average (1.5 vs 2.6 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour is 18% above the national rate (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000). This divergence highlights the unique character of Carnforth, where retail activity and community dynamics may shape crime patterns differently than in larger cities. For residents, the 38.5% drop in violent crime offers a concrete indicator of improved safety during the holiday period.

Carnforth's December 2023 crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents marks a 33.4% decline from November's 5.5 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in local crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 275 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for the area's population of 5,508. On a daily basis, Carnforth recorded an average of 0.65 crimes per day in December, a rate that, while low, highlights the sporadic nature of incidents in a built-up area with limited commercial density. When compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, Carnforth's rate remains significantly lower, a trend consistent with its small population and rural-adjacent character. The monthly exposure metric—1-in-275 residents—serves as a tangible reference for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime in Carnforth is substantially lower than in larger urban centres. This contrast is amplified by the area's limited nightlife and minimal commuter traffic, factors that likely contribute to the sustained gap between local and national crime rates.