Barnoldswick Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Barnoldswick’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, 32.4% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a generally low-crime environment, though the area’s profile is shaped by its position within Pendle, a rural district with a mix of small towns and agricultural land. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (21 incidents, 41.2% of total) and anti-social behaviour (13 incidents, 25.5%), suggesting a focus on interpersonal conflicts and community disruptions. Shoplifting and other property crimes accounted for 11.8% of incidents, aligning with the presence of small retail outlets and local businesses that may be vulnerable to opportunistic theft. Seasonal factors likely contributed to the overall low rate, as January typically sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer tourists in the area. However, the data also highlights a stark contrast between violent crime rates and the UK average, with Barnoldswick’s violent crime rate at 1.9 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.5. This discrepancy may be influenced by the area’s rural character, where community cohesion and limited anonymity could deter violent incidents. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour’s 29% above the UK average suggests localized pressures, tied to the challenges of managing smaller, close-knit communities. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely explains the lower property crime rates, though the surge in shoplifting indicates that targeted retail theft remains a concern for local businesses.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2026 was a 200% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlights a potential shift in retail crime patterns during the post-holiday period. Concurrently, theft from the person doubled from 0 to 1, suggesting a small but notable uptick in targeted crimes. In contrast, other theft fell by 80%, and burglary dropped by two-thirds, possibly linked to reduced foot traffic and colder weather deterring opportunistic crimes. Violent crimes, which accounted for 41.2% of total incidents, remained 24% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour rose 29% above the national benchmark. These divergent trends underscore the complexity of local crime dynamics, with seasonal factors and community-specific influences likely playing a role.

Barnoldswick’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 13.5% compared to December 2025, dropping from 5.3 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as post-holiday periods often see reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day in January, a figure that reflects the low overall rate but may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 218 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area well below the UK average. With a population of 11,099, this suggests a relatively stable environment, though local factors such as seasonal transitions and community dynamics may still influence smaller fluctuations. The reduction in crimes like burglary and public order offences likely reflects the impact of shorter days and reduced social interaction, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this link definitively.