Lancaster Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 145,000, 1343 crimes in October 2024 translate to one reported crime for every 108 residents over the course of the month. This equates to a crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing Lancaster 14.8% above the UK average of 8.1. The data highlights a distinct pattern in crime types: anti-social behaviour (29.8% of all crimes) and violence and sexual offences (29.3%) dominate, both significantly exceeding UK averages. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, is 117% above the UK rate of 1.3 per 1,000, while violence and sexual offences are 1% above the UK average. These figures may partly explain the seasonal context of October, when darker evenings and Halloween events could contribute to increased disorder. The area’s mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics—home to a historic town centre, university campuses, and commuter routes—likely influences crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour concentrated in public spaces and violence linked to late-night activity. Shoplifting, however, remains 17% below the UK average, reflecting effective retail security measures in the city’s high streets. The overall crime rate suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas with high anti-social behaviour, while the relatively low shoplifting rate indicates a success in preventing opportunistic theft.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with possession of weapons rising by 33.3% (6 to 8 incidents) and drugs offences increasing by 19% (21 to 25). These increases may reflect heightened activity during the Halloween period, though no definitive link can be drawn. Conversely, robbery fell by 42.9% (7 to 4), and public order offences dropped by 26.6% (79 to 58), potentially due to reduced late-night gatherings as the month progressed. Burglary also declined by 24.2% (99 to 75), though it remains 52% above the UK average. The crime mix shows a stark contrast between property and violent crime: anti-social behaviour and violence account for nearly 60% of all incidents, compared to 30% for property crimes like burglary and shoplifting. This imbalance may reflect the area’s urban density and the presence of educational institutions, which can drive both anti-social behaviour and violence. Shoplifting is 17% below the UK average, a figure residents might find reassuring when shopping in Lancaster’s retail areas.

The crime rate in October 2024 (9.3 per 1,000) remained stable compared to the previous month’s rate of 9.3, indicating no significant month-on-month change. However, this rate is 14.8% above the UK average, a gap that persists despite local efforts. On a daily basis, Lancaster experienced approximately 43 crimes per day in October, a figure that may feel tangible to residents given the city’s compact urban core. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 108 residents—a ratio that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for vigilance in areas with elevated rates. The population context reveals that Lancaster’s crime burden is higher than the UK average, particularly in anti-social behaviour and violence, which are 117% and 1% above national levels respectively. This suggests that while the city’s overall crime rate is stable, targeted measures may be required to address the specific categories driving the gap. Residents should note that the 1-in-108 monthly exposure figure is a local statistic and does not directly compare to UK-wide averages, which are not available for daily or monthly exposure in this context.