Heysham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Heysham's crime profile in July 2024 was characterised by a pronounced imbalance between violent and property crimes. With 47 violent offences recorded—accounting for 41.2% of total crimes—this category far outpaced property crimes, which numbered 13 (11.4%). This stark contrast suggests a local environment where interpersonal conflict and public disorder are more prevalent than theft or burglary. The overall crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents placed Heysham 9.5% below the UK average of 8.4, a margin that, while modest, indicates a generally lower risk of victimisation compared to the national picture. The dominance of violence and sexual offences, at 3.1 per 1,000, was 9% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a specific vulnerability in Heysham's crime profile. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.9 per 1,000, was even more pronounced—100% above the UK average—suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. July's peak summer conditions, with schools closed and tourism at its height, likely contributed to these trends. The high volume of anti-social incidents may reflect increased social interactions in areas like the town centre or coastal paths, where festivals and events draw crowds. Meanwhile, the relative absence of property crimes could indicate effective local security measures or a lack of high-value assets in residential areas. This pattern is consistent with Heysham's status as a built-up area within Lancaster, where tourism and seasonal events may amplify public-facing crime while reducing opportunities for burglary. The data also reveals a notable drop in vehicle crime (from 4 to 1) and burglary (from 6 to 2), though these remain well below UK averages, suggesting that targeted efforts in these areas have had some success. The interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics—such as the presence of transient visitors during July—likely plays a role in shaping these outcomes. As the month progressed, the continued focus on addressing anti-social behaviour and maintaining community safety will be critical to sustaining this lower-than-average crime rate.

July 2024 saw a striking 95.5% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 22 to 43 incidents. This surge, while not uncommon during peak summer months, highlights a potential link to the area's seasonal dynamics—schools out, festivals, and increased foot traffic in public spaces. Concurrently, violent crimes rose by 6.8%, with 47 incidents recorded, maintaining their dominance over property crimes (13). This 41.2% share of total crimes aligns with a 9% UK average for violence and sexual offences, suggesting Heysham's violent crime profile is slightly above the national norm for this category. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 75%, from 4 to 1, a drop that may reflect reduced car usage during holidays or heightened awareness among drivers. Burglary also declined by 66.7%, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. These contrasting trends underscore the combination of local events and crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour emerging as a pressing concern.

Heysham's crime rate in July 2024 remained stable at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, a 0.9% decrease from the previous month's 7.7. This consistency suggests no immediate spikes or drops in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 4 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while locally relevant, lacks a direct UK-wide comparison. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for roughly every 132 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. This metric, while not directly comparable to national averages, provides a tangible sense of risk for residents. The population of 14,993 means that each reported crime impacts a relatively small proportion of the community, though the distribution across crime types reveals deeper patterns. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, which will be explored further in the highlights section.