Rossendale Crime Rate

Rossendale is a local authority district with an overall crime rate of 94.7 per 1,000 residents, which is marginally higher than the UK average of 93.1. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 79/100, reflecting a generally secure environment across its various towns and villages. The recent trend for the area is stable, showing a slight decrease of 2.6% in total recorded crimes over the past year. This consistency suggests that Rossendale remains a reliable place to live and work. In the following sections, we will explore the district's characteristics, provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, and offer safety suggestions to help residents navigate the local landscape and protect their property.

About Rossendale

Rossendale is a local authority district in Lancashire, characterized by its unique geography of steep-sided valleys and moorland plateaus. Historically a major centre for the textile and footwear industries, the area now features a mix of traditional industrial towns like Rawtenstall and Bacup alongside more suburban and rural settlements. This industrial heritage influences the area's crime statistics, as the dense urban centres often experience higher levels of anti-social behaviour and public order offences compared to the quieter valley slopes.

The district's population is a blend of long-term residents and a growing number of commuters attracted by the area's natural beauty and its proximity to major employment hubs in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire. The transient nature of some populations, combined with pockets of economic deprivation in certain urban wards, can contribute to the local crime rate. Rossendale's geography also plays a role, with the interconnected valley towns creating distinct social hubs where nightlife and commercial activity are concentrated, naturally leading to a higher density of reported incidents in these areas.

Crime Breakdown in Rossendale

In Rossendale, the most frequently recorded crimes are violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.8% of all incidents, closely followed by anti-social behaviour at 32.0%. Criminal damage and arson is the third most common category, representing 8.5% of the total. Together, these three types make up nearly three-quarters of all crime in the district. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at an overall rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.9, suggesting that Rossendale is relatively safe for homeowners. Within this category, 'other theft' (5.6%) and vehicle crime (3.9%) are more common than burglary (3.7%). For residents, this data indicates that while interpersonal and social behaviour issues are the primary concern for local authorities, maintaining property security remains an important consideration to protect against opportunistic theft and damage.

Crime Trends in Rossendale

The crime trend in Rossendale is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.6%. Analysis of the monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, with a peak of 8.8 in April 2025 and a low of 6.7 in October 2025. Other notable months included May (8.7), June (8.6), and July (8.7), which showed a consistent level of activity during the spring and summer months. The decrease towards the end of the 12-month period is a positive sign, suggesting a potential downward shift in local crime. For residents, this stability means that the safety environment remains predictable, though the high percentage of anti-social behaviour incidents indicates that community-level safety remains an ongoing focus for local law enforcement.

Rossendale's crime rate of 94.7 per 1,000 places it in a competitive position within the wider East Lancashire and Greater Manchester border region. While direct comparisons with nearby major urban centres like Burnley, Bury, Rochdale, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, and Bolton are not provided here, Rossendale is traditionally seen as a safer, more residential alternative to these larger industrial hubs. The district offers a blend of town living and rural access, which typically results in lower crime rates than the more densely populated surrounding metropolitan areas. For residents, Rossendale provides a secure base with good transport links to these nearby centres of employment.

Home Security in Rossendale

With a property crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people, residents of Rossendale should consider the advantages of proactive home security. While this rate is lower than the national average, the high levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area mean that homes can still be targets for opportunistic crime. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In contrast, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect suspicious activity in real-time. Whether it is identifying unauthorised vehicles or recognising familiar daily routines, scOS provides an autonomous response that traditional systems lack. For homeowners in Rossendale, moving from recording an incident to preventing one is a vital step in ensuring long-term property protection and peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Rossendale

Violence and sexual offences, alongside anti-social behaviour, are the most frequently recorded crimes in Rossendale. To enhance your personal safety across the district, consider these practical steps:

1. Be Aware in Urban Centres: When visiting the main towns like Rawtenstall or Bacup, especially during evening hours, stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings near nightlife hubs.
2. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is a significant factor in the local crime rate. Reporting incidents early to local authorities can help prevent situations from escalating into more serious offences.
3. Secure Your Property Boundary: With criminal damage being a top concern, ensure your home's perimeter is well-defined and well-lit to deter opportunistic offenders.
4. Vehicle Safety: While vehicle crime is moderate, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, particularly if parking on the street overnight.
5. Engage with Local Policing: Stay informed about local safety initiatives and community policing meetings to understand the specific issues affecting your neighbourhood and how to address them.