Nelson (Pendle) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Nelson (Pendle), covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 125.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Nelson (Pendle) in a more challenging position regarding public safety. While the overall trend has remained stable, showing a slight increase of 3.6% year-on-year, certain crime categories demand focused attention. The data paints a picture requiring a nuanced understanding of the area's specific challenges and targeted interventions to improve community safety and resilience.

Nelson (Pendle) exhibits a concerning pattern of crime, with Violence and Sexual Offences representing the most significant proportion at 1434 incidents, accounting for 34.1% of recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind, with 1251 incidents (29.8%), highlighting potential issues with community cohesion and public order. Criminal damage and arson contribute further to the area's challenges, totaling 299 incidents (7.1%). Overall property crime in Nelson stands at 31.2 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. This places the area above the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address underlying causes and enhance prevention strategies. The prevalence of these crime types suggests a complex interplay of socio-economic factors and community dynamics.

Crime rates in Nelson (Pendle) have remained relatively stable over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, exhibiting a slight increase of 3.6% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with notable peaks in May (9.4 per 1,000) and July (11.8 per 1,000). However, the latter months of the year, particularly November (9.7 per 1,000) and December (9.1 per 1,000), show a decrease, suggesting a possible seasonal pattern or the impact of targeted interventions. This stability, despite minor variations, underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining a consistently safe environment.

How To Keep Safe in Nelson (Pendle)

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider travelling with others. Due to the significant level of Anti-social Behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the police. Secure your property effectively; ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, be mindful of your valuables and avoid displaying them openly to deter potential theft.

Criminal activity in Nelson (Pendle) demonstrates a pattern influenced by the time of day. Burglary incidents are more frequent during the night (12am - 6am), with 23% of burglaries occurring during this period. Theft is most common in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 48% of incidents. Vehicle crime also sees a spike overnight, particularly between 11pm and 6am, suggesting a vulnerability during these hours. Understanding these patterns can inform personal safety precautions and targeted policing efforts.

When compared to neighbouring areas, Nelson (Pendle)'s crime rate is notably higher than Barrowford (64.9 per 1,000) but lower than Colne (144.7 per 1,000). Brierfield (98.5 per 1,000) presents a comparatively similar situation. These variations suggest localised factors influencing crime levels across Pendle, highlighting the need for tailored strategies within each community.

Traditional CCTV systems provide a record of incidents after they occur. However, in an area like Nelson (Pendle) with a higher-than-average crime rate, proactive protection is paramount. Consider a system like scOS, which uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification capabilities can identify suspicious activity and deter criminals. The element of surprise created by scOS’s autonomous response—lights activating, speakers engaging—is often enough to make them move on, preventing a break-in entirely. While DIY security systems have their place, a professional-grade system signals a serious commitment to protection.