Bacup Crime Rate

Bacup, an urban settlement in Rossendale, maintains a respectable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 130.5 per 1,000 residents. While this is higher than the UK average of 93.1, the town enjoys a safety score of 71/100, reinforcing its reputation as a secure place to live. Recent trends show that crime is decreasing, with an 8.7% reduction over the past year. With a property crime rate very close to the national average and moderate burglary figures, Bacup provides a secure environment for its 14,538 residents. This report provides a detailed look at local crime statistics, property safety, and emerging trends to help residents stay informed about their community.

In Bacup, the crime profile is led by three primary categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion, accounting for 33.6% of all reported crime with 637 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also very significant at 32.4% (614 crimes), while criminal damage and arson represent 9.1% (173 crimes).

Property-related crime in Bacup is a key concern for local residents, with an overall rate of 33.2 per 1,000 people. This includes 173 cases of criminal damage and arson, 96 'other thefts', 75 shoplifting offences, 64 vehicle crimes, and 55 burglaries. With a burglary rate of 3.8 per 1,000, homeowners should remain vigilant. The combined volume of property offences—including vehicle crime and shoplifting—means that securing homes and personal assets is an essential part of daily life for the community. The data suggests that while Bacup is generally safe, maintaining robust security measures is a sensible precaution.

The crime trend in Bacup is currently decreasing, with an 8.7% reduction in total offences compared to the previous year. A month-by-month look at the data shows that crime rates were lowest in early 2025, with February recording a rate of 8.3. There was a significant spike in April 2025, with the rate reaching 14.2, followed by another peak in March at 12.5. Since then, the rate has fluctuated but generally remained lower than the spring peaks, ending at 9.7 in October 2025. This pattern suggests that while the overall trend is downward, the town can experience sharp seasonal increases in crime, particularly in early spring. For residents, this overall reduction is positive, but the periodic spikes indicate that extra vigilance is required during certain times of the year. there are no signs of long-term increases in crime.

How To Keep Safe in Bacup

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bacup, representing 33.6% of all reported incidents. While the town is generally safe, staying aware of your personal safety is always recommended for residents and visitors.

• Plan Your Journey: When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.
• Keep Valuables Hidden: Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices when in public to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, move to a busy, well-lit area or enter a public building.
• Share Your Location: Use safety features on your smartphone to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member when travelling alone.
• Secure Your Home: Given the 33.2 property crime rate, ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are inside, and consider an AI-based security system for proactive protection.

Crime in Bacup shows distinct variations throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft, accounting for 43% of incidents during these hours, likely due to commercial activity. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prevalent, making up a significant 57% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the most critical window for property and vehicle security. Vehicle crime peaks at 33% during these early hours, while burglary accounts for 18% of night-time incidents. Interestingly, burglary is also high in the afternoon (18%), suggesting that both unoccupied daytime homes and night-time targets are at risk. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk windows, such as ensuring vehicles are extra secure overnight and homes are locked during the day.

In the local context of Rossendale, Bacup is a secure town. While it has a higher crime rate than the quieter nearby areas of Weir (73.1) and Rawtenstall (94.9), it is safer than Whitworth, which has a higher rate of 102.3, and Todmorden, which has a rate of 111.0. Bacup's crime rate of 130.5 reflects its status as a significant residential and commercial hub compared to its smaller neighbours, but it remains one of the safer choices for those looking to live in the region, offering a balanced and secure environment.

Bacup's property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000 people indicates that property protection should be a priority for homeowners. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they provide footage of an event after it has already occurred. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to prevent crime, not just record it.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording a burglary, scOS identifies potential intruders in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and audio warnings. In Bacup, where vehicle crime peaks at night and burglaries occur both in the afternoon and at night, having a system that monitors your home 24/7 with multi-camera intelligence is a significant advantage. scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, providing professional-grade security that stops criminals before they can even attempt a break-in. This preventative approach is the most effective way to ensure your home remains truly secure.