Heysham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Heysham’s crime rate in September 2023 stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure 16.2% below the UK average of 8.0. This performance places the area in a relatively safe position compared to national benchmarks, though the breakdown of crime types reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.6% of all incidents, the most common category, followed by anti-social behaviour (33.7%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). The dominance of violent crime may be influenced by the area’s proximity to Lancaster, a larger urban centre, where such offences are more prevalent. Anti-social behaviour, however, emerged as a notable concern, far exceeding the UK average by 72%—a figure that could be tied to the area’s demographic profile, including transient populations and seasonal fluctuations. September’s transition from summer to autumn may have played a role, as back-to-school and university freshers’ week activities could have contributed to increased social interactions and associated disputes. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively low, with only 15 incidents reported, 79% below the UK average for vehicle crime and 82% below for shoplifting. These figures suggest that Heysham’s built-up area, while not immune to crime, benefits from lower rates of theft and burglary compared to other parts of the country. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the gradual shift to darker evenings—may have influenced the types and frequencies of reported crimes, though the overall stability in the crime rate indicates that local efforts to manage incidents have been largely effective.

September 2023 saw a 40% decrease in criminal damage and arson, the most significant drop among all categories, likely linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity as nights drew in. Other crime fell by 50%, from four to two incidents, a reduction that may reflect heightened community awareness or effective local interventions. Conversely, drug-related offences rose by 100%, from zero to three cases, a spike that contrasts with the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Vehicle crime also doubled, with two incidents reported, though this remains 79% below the national rate. Anti-social behaviour, however, continued to dominate, accounting for 33.7% of all crimes, 72% above the UK average. This divergence highlights Heysham’s unique challenges, where high levels of anti-social behaviour may be influenced by the area’s proximity to a major urban centre, while drug-related issues may reflect transient populations associated with university activity.

Heysham's crime rate in September 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, declining slightly from 6.9 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes each day over the 30-day period, a figure that provides context for the frequency of incidents in a built-up area with a population of nearly 15,000. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 148 residents, a ratio that reflects both the area’s size and the relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average. This lower-than-average rate, combined with the stability in month-on-month figures, underscores Heysham’s position as a community with consistently manageable crime levels, though specific categories like anti-social behaviour remain higher than national benchmarks.