Pendle Crime Rate

Pendle presents a balanced safety profile with an overall crime rate of 100.7 per 1,000 people per year. While this is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, the area maintains a safety score of 78/100, which is exactly in line with the UK average. This suggests that while Pendle faces some urban crime challenges, it remains as safe as many other parts of the country. The crime trend in Pendle is currently classified as stable, with a modest 4.8% increase in reported offences year-over-year. This stability provides a predictable environment for residents and businesses alike. The following analysis explores the specific types of crime prevalent in Pendle and how the district compares locally and nationally.

About Pendle

Pendle is a diverse local authority in Lancashire, characterised by its unique blend of industrial heritage and stunning rural landscapes. The area includes major urban centres like Nelson and Colne, which historically thrived on the textile industry, alongside picturesque villages and the famous Pendle Hill. The economic profile of the area is mixed, with a strong manufacturing base and a growing service sector. These urban hubs act as commercial and transport centres for the region, which can influence crime statistics through higher footfall and transient populations. In contrast, the surrounding rural areas are sparsely populated and generally experience much lower crime rates. The area's demographics are varied, with densely populated terraced housing in the towns and more affluent residential pockets in the countryside. These factors, combined with local economic challenges and the influence of nearby larger cities like Burnley and Bradford, contribute to Pendle's overall crime rate and safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Pendle

In Pendle, the most significant crime types are violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.9% of all reported incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 31.2%. Criminal damage and arson also represent a notable portion of local crime at 7.7%. For homeowners and residents, property crime is a primary concern. The overall property crime rate in Pendle—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—is 25.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 32.9, indicating that despite higher overall crime figures, property-related risks are relatively well-managed. Burglary specifically accounts for 3.5% of total crime, while vehicle crime also stands at 3.5%. This suggests that while violent crime and anti-social behaviour are more frequently reported, the risk of serious property loss remains lower than in many other parts of the country.

Crime Trends in Pendle

The crime rate in Pendle has remained stable over the past year, with a minor 4.8% increase in total reported offences. A look at the monthly trend data shows a consistent pattern of activity throughout the year. The highest crime rates were recorded in May 2025 (9.8 per 1,000) and July 2025 (9.5), while the lowest activity occurred in February 2025 at 7.1. These fluctuations are relatively minor, indicating that crime in Pendle does not suffer from extreme seasonal spikes. The overall stability of the trend suggests that local safety initiatives are currently keeping crime levels under control, despite the slight upward movement. Residents can take confidence in this consistent profile while remaining aware of the typical monthly variations.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Pendle offers a relatively safe environment. Its crime rate of 100.7 is significantly lower than that of Burnley, which records a much higher 140.9 crimes per 1,000 people. Other nearby areas like Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Rossendale, and Calderdale often show lower or different crime profiles, but Pendle stands out as a more secure alternative to the larger urban centres in East Lancashire. This regional context is important for those considering Pendle as a place to live or work, as it demonstrates that the area maintains a better safety record than some of its more industrialised neighbours.

Pendle’s property crime rate of 25.0 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, but maintaining this safety level requires a modern approach to home security. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they record an incident or alert you only after a break-in has occurred. scOS provides a proactive, AI-powered alternative designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your camera feeds simultaneously, scOS uses advanced AI to detect potential threats at the boundary of your property. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; scOS destroys this opportunity by activating autonomous responses like lights or audio alerts the moment a threat is identified. For residents in Pendle’s urban and rural areas alike, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure their homes and property against opportunistic crime.

How To Keep Safe in Pendle

Violence and sexual offences, along with anti-social behaviour, are the most common crime types in Pendle. Ensuring safety across the district involves a combination of personal awareness and proactive property protection.

1. Be Aware in Urban Centres: When in busier areas like Nelson or Colne, especially at night, stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid anti-social behaviour.
2. Secure Your Property: While property crime is below the national average, ensuring all doors and windows are locked and using motion-activated lighting can deter opportunistic thieves and vandals.
3. Engage with Local Policing: Stay informed about local crime by following Pendle’s community policing updates and participating in Neighbourhood Watch schemes to share safety information.
4. Vehicle Safety: Always park in secure, well-lit locations and ensure no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime still accounts for a portion of local incidents.
5. Report Incidents Promptly: Reporting anti-social behaviour or criminal damage immediately helps the police allocate resources effectively and prevents minor issues from escalating within the community.