Clitheroe Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Clitheroe

Clitheroe, a notable urban settlement within the Ribble Valley, records an overall crime rate of 68.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Clitheroe as significantly safer than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, reflecting a positive safety environment for its 17,219 residents. The area's safety score of 85 out of 100 further underscores its secure standing, comfortably above the UK average of 78. Encouragingly, Clitheroe has experienced a decreasing crime trend over the past year, with a notable -11.7% change year-on-year. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the current crime situation and broader safety context within Clitheroe.

Crime Type Analysis

An analysis of crime types in Clitheroe indicates that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 33.0% of all reported crimes at a rate of 22.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, representing 31.6% of incidents (21.7 per 1,000), while Criminal damage and arson make up 8.2% (5.6 per 1,000). These three categories collectively form the majority of reported offences within the area.

Property-related crime in Clitheroe, which includes burglary, other theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, and shoplifting, stands at 17.6 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a reduced risk for homeowners and residents. Specific figures show burglary at 1.7 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 2.4 per 1,000, and other theft at 3.6 per 1,000. While these rates are relatively low, they highlight the ongoing need for residents to implement effective security measures to protect their valuable assets.

Crime Trends in Clitheroe

Clitheroe has experienced a positive crime trend over the past year, with a significant decrease of -11.7% year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations, with a low of 4.1 in February 2025 and higher rates of 6.2 in December 2024 and March 2025. The crime rate peaked at 7.3 in May 2025 before stabilising towards the end of the period, reaching 6.3 in September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall annual reduction is a positive indicator for the area. This downward trend suggests improving safety, offering reassurance to residents and contributing to a more secure local environment.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Clitheroe

Crime in Clitheroe exhibits discernible patterns throughout the day, offering insights into when specific offences are more likely to occur. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are particularly prominent, accounting for 41% of crimes, alongside burglary at 9% and vehicle crime at 14%. This suggests that properties and vehicles may be vulnerable as residents commence their daily routines.

In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant crime type at 45%, with burglary at 15% and other offences at 34%. This period, often characterised by increased commercial activity and unattended homes, presents opportunities for such crimes. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), other offences, potentially including anti-social behaviour, rise significantly to 57%, while theft reduces to 17% and vehicle crime holds at 13%. This shift indicates a change in the nature of crime as social activities increase.

Night-time (12am-6am) sees a notable increase in vehicle crime at 34% and burglary at 17%, suggesting that these hours, when areas are quieter and properties are unoccupied, are targeted for such offences. Understanding these temporal variations allows residents to be more vigilant and implement appropriate security measures at different times.

Comparing Clitheroe with Nearby Areas

When comparing Clitheroe to its neighbouring communities, it generally presents a favourable safety profile. Clitheroe's overall crime rate of 68.5 per 1,000 residents is lower than some broader regional averages, though higher than some of its immediate, more rural neighbours. For instance, areas like Waddington (Ribble Valley) and West Bradford are likely to have lower crime rates due to their smaller populations and more rural characteristics. Chatburn, another nearby settlement, also provides a local benchmark. Understanding these comparisons helps residents contextualise Clitheroe's crime statistics within the regional landscape, highlighting its relative position in terms of safety.

Enhancing Your Security in Clitheroe

With a property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents in Clitheroe, taking proactive steps to secure your home is a sensible decision. Traditional security cameras often only record events, providing footage after a burglary has occurred. However, modern security solutions focus on preventing crime before it happens, offering a more effective approach to protection.

Consider adopting an AI-powered home security operating system, such as scOS, which is designed to detect threats at your property's boundary. This proactive approach means intervention can occur before a break-in, a significant advantage over systems that merely notify you post-incident. Professional-grade systems offer features like multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning to distinguish genuine threats from routine activities. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is crucial for deterring potential intruders, as most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds. Investing in such a system can provide a robust defence, shifting the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it in Clitheroe.