Nelson (Pendle) Crime Rate

Nelson (Pendle) Crime Overview

Nelson has an overall crime rate of 125.7 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This higher crime volume is reflected in the town's safety score of 72/100, placing it below the UK average of 78. Furthermore, the crime trend in Nelson is currently increasing, with a year-over-year rise of 5.8%. Property crime is very close to national levels, sitting at 31.8 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that while the town is an active urban hub, it faces significant challenges with anti-social behaviour and personal safety, and the recent upward trend indicates that residents should be increasingly vigilant.

Crime Breakdown in Nelson (Pendle)

Nelson's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.6% of all reports. This is followed by a high incidence of anti-social behaviour at 30.4% and criminal damage and arson at 6.7%. Together, these three categories represent over 70% of the town's total crime volume.

Property crime in Nelson is almost exactly in line with the UK average, with a rate of 31.8 per 1,000 people compared to the national benchmark of 32.9. This total includes other theft (5.6%), shoplifting (4.8%), criminal damage and arson (6.7%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and burglary (3.1%). For residents, this suggests that while forced residential entries are less frequent, opportunistic theft and damage to property are more common concerns. The high rate of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage indicates that both residential and commercial property owners should focus on visible deterrents and robust perimeter security. The recent increasing trend in crime further highlights the need for proactive security measures.

Nelson Crime Trends

The crime trend in Nelson is currently increasing, with a year-over-year rise of 5.8%. This upward trajectory suggests that residents should be more vigilant and proactive about their safety than in previous years.

Looking at the monthly data for 2024 and 2025, the crime rate has shown a general upward trend. The lowest point was in February 2025, recording a rate of 8.4 per 1,000. Since then, the rate has increased significantly, peaking at 12.2 in May 2025. While there was a slight dip back to 11.0 by October 2025, the overall level of activity remains higher than the previous period. This consistent increase throughout the year highlights the importance of maintaining good security habits.

How To Keep Safe in Nelson (Pendle)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Nelson, accounting for over 33% of all reports. While the town is generally safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: When walking through the town centre or near retail areas, stay alert to your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Your Property: Given that burglary and vehicle crime peak at night, always ensure your home is locked and your car is parked in a well-lit area or garage if possible.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is a major issue in Nelson; reporting these incidents promptly helps local authorities allocate resources and manage public spaces.
4. Improve Home Lighting: Use motion-activated or dusk-to-dawn lighting around your property's exterior to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders and vandals.
5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local crime trends and community safety alerts to stay aware of any specific issues in your neighbourhood.

Nelson Crime Timing Patterns

Crime in Nelson follows specific temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern at 45%, followed by vehicle crime at 14%. Afternoon hours see theft-related offences rise to 48%, while burglary also reaches 19% of activity in this period.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—make up 50% of total reports. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) shows a dramatic shift toward property crime, with burglary surging to 21% and vehicle crime to 36% of all incidents. This suggests that while daytime activity is largely focused on retail and commercial theft, the hours of darkness pose a very specific and significant risk to homeowners and vehicle owners.

Nearby Areas Comparison

In the context of the Pendle and East Lancashire area, Nelson (125.7) is one of the more active urban centres. It has a lower crime rate than neighbouring Colne (147.2), but is significantly more active than Brierfield (96.2) and especially the suburban area of Barrowford (67.9). The nearby village of Fence reported a much lower rate of 41.5 per 1,000 people, reflecting the extreme safety of the surrounding rural areas. This disparity is typical for the region, where criminal activity is concentrated in the larger, more densely populated industrial towns. For residents, Nelson provides the amenities of a major settlement, but those seeking the lowest possible crime rates may prefer the quieter neighbouring villages.

Proactive Security in Nelson

With a property crime rate of 31.8 per 1,000 and an increasing trend of 5.8%, Nelson residents should be particularly mindful of opportunistic theft and property damage. Vehicle crime and burglary together account for 6.6% of all incidents, with a significant portion occurring during the night-time hours when properties are most vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or reactive cameras, often only alert you after a crime has already taken place, which is rarely effective in preventing the theft itself.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS provides a much more effective defence. By monitoring your property's boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect a potential intruder or car thief the moment they step onto your driveway. The system doesn't just record the event; it can autonomously trigger responses like activating floodlights or a warning speaker to stop the crime before it happens. For Nelson homeowners, this AI-driven prevention is the best way to counteract the local increase in crime and ensure their property is never an easy target.