Clitheroe Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Clitheroe

Clitheroe is a safe settlement with an overall crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This secure environment is reflected in a high safety score of 85/100, well above the UK benchmark of 78. The crime trend in Clitheroe is moving in a positive direction, with an 8.6% decrease in reported incidents year-over-year. With a population of approximately 17,000, the area maintains a peaceful and secure environment. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common concerns, property crime rates are notably lower than the national average, making Clitheroe a generally safe place for homeowners and families.

Crime Breakdown in Clitheroe

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Clitheroe, representing 32.9% of all reported incidents (22.9 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 32.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.9%. For property owners, the overall property crime rate—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—is 17.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9, making Clitheroe a relatively low-risk area for homeowners. Burglary itself accounts for 2.8% of the area's total crime. The primary property concerns are 'other theft' and shoplifting, which together account for over 10% of all incidents. Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly to reports.

Crime Trends in Clitheroe

The safety profile of Clitheroe is improving. The area has seen an 8.6% decrease in total crime year-over-year. Monthly data from late 2024 and 2025 shows that crime rates generally fluctuate between 4.1 and 7.3 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in May 2025 (7.3), while the lowest occurred in February 2025 (4.1). These fluctuations are typical for a settlement of this size where even a few incidents can impact the monthly rate. Overall, the data suggests that Clitheroe is becoming an increasingly secure environment with no significant emerging threats.

How To Keep Safe in Clitheroe

The most frequent crime in Clitheroe is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To enhance personal and property safety, residents should consider the following advice:

• Stay Alert in Public: When walking alone, especially in the evening, stick to well-lit routes and maintain situational awareness. Avoid being distracted by your phone or wearing headphones.
• Daytime Home Security: Burglary in Clitheroe peaks in the afternoon (16% of incidents). Always ensure that windows and doors are securely locked when you leave the house, and consider using smart lighting to make your home appear occupied.
• Protect Your Vehicle at Night: Since vehicle crime accounts for 31% of night-time incidents, always park in a well-lit area or garage. Use a steering wheel lock and never leave valuables, electronics, or bags in view.
• Improve Home Lighting: Anti-social behaviour often occurs under the cover of darkness. Ensure the exterior of your property is well-lit with motion-activated lights to deter opportunistic offenders.
• Engage with the Community: Join local social media groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about recent activity in the area. Reporting even minor incidents of anti-social behaviour helps the police allocate resources effectively.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Clitheroe

Crime in Clitheroe follows a distinct temporal pattern. Property offences, particularly theft and burglary, are most common during the day. Theft peaks in the morning and afternoon, accounting for 42-46% of reported incidents in those periods. Burglary reaches its highest frequency at night (18%) and in the afternoon (16%). This suggests that offenders target properties and commercial areas when people are most likely to be active or away from home. Conversely, the night-time period (12am-6am) is dominated by 'other' crimes and vehicle crime, with vehicle crime representing 31% of all incidents during these hours. This indicates that vehicle thieves are most active under the cover of darkness. Evening hours see a rise in anti-social behaviour and public order crimes as social activity increases. Residents should focus on home security during the day and vehicle security at night.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the local context of Ribble Valley, Clitheroe maintains a strong safety profile. Its crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000 is comparable to Barrow (63.9) and Chatburn (57.9). It is, however, less safe than Waddington, which recorded a rate of 22.5. As is common in this rural-urban fringe, the tiny nearby settlement of West Bradford reported no crimes. Overall, Clitheroe sits comfortably in the mid-range of regional crime statistics, offering a secure alternative to the more busy local urban centres.

Proactive Security for Clitheroe Properties

Clitheroe’s high safety score of 85/100 and its 8.6% decrease in crime are positive indicators for residents. However, maintaining this standard requires a modern approach to security. When it comes to protecting your home and family, the type of security you choose matters. Traditional CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they are designed to record a crime as it happens. While this might help with a police investigation, it doesn't prevent the initial break-in or the theft of a vehicle.

For true protection, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundary in real-time. Unlike standard systems, scOS uses intelligent analysis to identify threats before they reach your home. It can distinguish between your family and a stranger, and it verifies vehicle plates to spot cloned or suspicious cars instantly. When a threat is detected at the perimeter, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts—to destroy the element of surprise. In an area where vehicle crime is a night-time threat (31% of incidents), a system that actively defends your property while you sleep is the most effective way to ensure Clitheroe remains a safe place to live.