Carnforth Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Carnforth’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.6% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.1%) and other theft (14.6%). These figures align with the seasonal rhythm of May, when longer evenings and bank holidays often see increased social activity in Carnforth’s town centre. The area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, including a historic railway hub and retail outlets, likely contributes to the prominence of violent and anti-social incidents. Meanwhile, the relatively low burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) suggests that property crime remains less common here compared to other parts of the UK, possibly reflecting the town’s compact layout and community-focused policing initiatives. The UK-wide comparison highlights that Carnforth’s violent crime rate is 5% below the national average, though other theft and shoplifting rates are higher, indicating a combination of local retail dynamics and crime patterns.

May 2024 saw dramatic shifts in crime trends, with shoplifting surging by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents), driven by the Easter bank holiday period and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Other theft also rose sharply, doubling to 6 incidents, a trend consistent with the town’s high concentration of small businesses and unstaffed premises during off-peak hours. Burglary, which had not occurred in April, rose to 2 incidents—a 100% increase—possibly linked to warmer weather encouraging outdoor activity and increased home visits. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 36.4% (from 11 to 7), a drop that may reflect the impact of local community events in early May that redirected public attention. Criminal damage and arson dropped by 50%, aligning with the UK average for this category, while drugs and vehicle crime also fell by 50%—a decline that contrasts with national trends but may reflect targeted policing efforts in Carnforth’s industrial zones. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting offers a clear indicator of seasonal retail vulnerability, suggesting that increased staffing or surveillance during peak shopping hours could mitigate future incidents.

Carnforth’s crime rate in May 2024 rose by 28.1% compared to April’s 5.8 per 1,000, marking a notable upward shift in the monthly figure. This increase translates to roughly one crime per day across the town’s 5,508 residents, a rate that is 11.9% below the UK average but shows a marked acceleration in local reporting. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 134 residents—a figure that, while low compared to larger urban centres, underscores the need for vigilance in a community where crime is often concentrated in specific areas. The 28.1% rise from April is particularly significant given Carnforth’s generally stable crime profile, suggesting potential external factors such as the Easter holidays or temporary disruptions in local policing. While daily crime counts remain low, the shift in crime type distribution—particularly the rise in shoplifting and other theft—highlights a growing challenge for local businesses and authorities. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-134 residents provides a tangible benchmark for residents, illustrating that while the overall risk is low, specific vulnerabilities in retail and property sectors require targeted attention.