Morecambe Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 saw Morecambe's crime rate reach 11.6 per 1,000 residents, 45% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the built-up area, where violence and sexual offences (129 cases) and anti-social behaviour (104 cases) dominated the crime profile. These two categories alone accounted for 63.8% of all reported crimes, with violence and sexual offences at 4.1 per 1,000—50% above the UK average. The seasonal context of September, with the start of the academic year and evenings drawing in, may have influenced patterns of activity in public spaces, contributing to the prominence of anti-social behaviour. However, the data also reveals stark disparities: criminal damage and arson (1.0 per 1,000) and drugs offences (0.5 per 1,000) were both significantly above UK averages, while shoplifting and public order offences were below. This contrast suggests a combination of factors, including the area's retail presence and its status as a commuter town. The high rate of anti-social behaviour, which is 146% above the UK average, may be linked to the town's proximity to major roads and its role as a transport hub, where transient populations may contribute to disorder. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) indicates that targeted measures in high-traffic areas may have some efficacy. The overall crime rate, while elevated, shows a slight downward trend from August, though the dominance of violent and property-related crimes remains a pressing concern for local authorities.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in September 2023 was the 166.7% increase in 'Other crime', rising from 3 to 8 cases. This category, which includes offences like fraud or cybercrime, saw a surge that outpaced all other categories. Concurrently, 'Drugs' offences rose by 114.3% (7 to 15), suggesting a possible link to university freshers' week or increased social activity. Meanwhile, burglary dropped by 57.9% (19 to 8), a decrease that may reflect seasonal changes in property crime patterns or targeted interventions. Shoplifting fell by 44.0% (25 to 14), possibly due to the start of the academic year reducing foot traffic in retail areas. However, violent crime remains high, with violence and sexual offences at 4.1 per 1,000—50% above the UK average. This imbalance underscores the need for targeted strategies in addressing violent crime, which constitutes 35.3% of all reported incidents. The drop in burglary, while significant, contrasts with the sharp rise in drug-related offences, illustrating a shifting crime profile in the area.

Morecambe's crime rate in September 2023 fell by 5.4% compared to August, dropping from 12.2 to 11.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader seasonal trend as university term begins, potentially reducing late-night activity in certain areas. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 12 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported crime within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 87 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains higher than the UK average. While this statistic does not directly compare to national figures, it underscores the concentrated nature of crime in Morecambe relative to its population size. The drop in burglary cases—down 57.9% from 19 to 8—may reflect targeted police operations or seasonal shifts in property crime patterns, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causality. This reduction contrasts with persistent challenges in other categories, highlighting the uneven distribution of crime across types.