Bacup Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bacup's crime rate in January 2026 reached 10.7 per 1,000 residents, 57.4% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark deviation from national trends is driven by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 38.1% of all reported crimes and 64% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 20.0% of incidents and 126% above the UK rate. These figures reflect a pattern commonly seen in smaller urban areas where concentrated populations and limited policing resources may amplify certain crime types. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the surge in public order offences, which saw a 300% month-on-month increase. While property crimes such as shoplifting and burglary remain present, their rates are lower than the violent crime surge, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity and colder weather. This data illustrates a community grappling with rising interpersonal crime, where the absence of major tourist attractions or industrial hubs may leave local policing stretched to manage the higher-than-average rates of violence and anti-social behaviour.

Public order offences in January 2026 saw a 300% month-on-month increase, rising from 2 to 8 cases. This jump, combined with a 200% rise in possession of weapons offences (from 1 to 3) and a 133% increase in burglary (from 3 to 7), suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.1% of all crimes and 64% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK average by 126%, with 31 incidents reported. Vehicle crime and drug-related offences were both below the UK average, with vehicle crime down 73% and drugs offences 64% lower. These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of local crime dynamics, where some categories surge while others decline, possibly influenced by seasonal factors and local community engagement initiatives.

Bacup's crime rate in January 2026 rose 14.7% from 9.3 to 10.7 per 1,000 residents compared to December 2025, marking the highest monthly rate since at least 2023. This increase translates to roughly 5 reported crimes per day across the built-up area, a figure that, while locally significant, remains lower than the daily crime density in larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 94 residents, a ratio that suggests the area's relatively low population density may temper the impact of higher rates. When scaled to Bacup's 14,538 residents, this means 155 crimes were distributed across a community smaller than many UK towns, potentially intensifying local awareness of crime. The shift from December's 9.3 to January's 10.7 reflects seasonal patterns typical of post-holiday periods, where reduced retail activity and colder weather may alter crime dynamics compared to busier months.