Clitheroe Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated Clitheroe’s crime profile in April 2025, accounting for 38.8% of all reported incidents. At 2.2 per 1,000 residents, this category was 65% above the UK average, marking a striking outlier in the area’s overall crime picture. The built-up area within Ribble Valley recorded 98 total crimes, translating to a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents—26% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This disparity highlights Clitheroe’s relatively safer environment compared to national trends, though local factors such as seasonal dynamics and community engagement may play a role. Violence and sexual offences (23.5% of total crimes) and criminal damage and arson (7.1%) followed as the next most common categories. The spring weather and Easter period, which typically bring increased outdoor activity and foot traffic, may have influenced anti-social behaviour patterns. However, the area’s lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (85% below UK levels) and vehicle crime (5% above) suggest a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. Clitheroe’s low population density and proximity to rural areas may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes, while its small-town character could foster stronger community policing efforts that deter others.

April 2025 saw a 400% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one to five incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms (0.3 per 1,000 residents), may reflect seasonal shifts in illicit activity during the Easter period. Vehicle crime also jumped by 133.3%, with seven incidents reported—33% above the UK average for this category. This increase could be linked to increased road traffic during spring holidays or temporary disruptions in local security measures. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 50% compared to March, with only two incidents recorded. This drop aligns with the UK average and may reflect heightened retail surveillance during Easter, when stores often bolster security. Violent crime also declined by 28.1%, from 32 to 23 incidents, though this category remained 50% below the UK average. The contrast between rising drug-related crimes and falling violent offences suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity, influenced by local enforcement priorities or demographic changes. For residents, the significant drop in shoplifting provides a tangible benefit, with local retailers likely experiencing reduced losses during the busy Easter shopping period.

Clitheroe’s crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in April 2025 marked an 8.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.2 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, reinforces the area’s position as a relatively low-crime environment compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, the built-up area experienced an average of three crimes per day in April—slightly lower than the UK-wide average but difficult to contextualise without national daily figures. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 176 residents, a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this small community. With a population of 17,219, Clitheroe’s crime statistics reflect the characteristics of a rural-adjacent town where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower rates of property crime. The monthly exposure metric (1-in-176 residents) is particularly meaningful for local residents, offering a concrete sense of how crime affects daily life. While this figure is lower than the UK average, Clitheroe’s unique geography—situated within Ribble Valley—may limit the prevalence of certain crimes, such as theft from the person, which are more common in densely populated urban centres.