Rawtenstall Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Rawtenstall’s crime rate stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, 23.8% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (36.9% of all incidents), violence and sexual offences (35.3%), and criminal damage (8.2%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up part of Rossendale, where community spaces and public areas may foster both social interaction and conflict. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the higher prevalence of anti-social behaviour and violence, which are often amplified during periods of heightened public activity. However, the UK average for anti-social behaviour is significantly lower, at 1.3 per 1,000, indicating that Rawtenstall’s specific challenges in this category may stem from local demographics or environmental factors, such as the density of communal living spaces. Meanwhile, property crimes like shoplifting and burglary showed mixed trends, with shoplifting rising sharply by 75% and burglary tripling, though both remain below the UK averages for their respective categories. These variations suggest that while the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, the nature of incidents in Rawtenstall differs in ways that require tailored responses from local authorities and community groups.

May 2023 saw a 200% increase in burglary cases, rising from one to three incidents. This sharp rise, though not uncommon during spring, may partly explain the overall upward trend in the area’s crime rate. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, declining from four to two incidents, a drop consistent with seasonal patterns where reduced outdoor activity could limit opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, contributing 36.9% of all reported crimes—73% above the UK average. This discrepancy highlights a unique challenge for local authorities, as such incidents often cluster in public spaces and may be influenced by the area’s social dynamics. For residents, the 75% rise in shoplifting—jumping from four to seven cases—underscores the need for heightened awareness in retail areas during the spring season, when foot traffic and outdoor drinking may intersect.

In May 2023, Rawtenstall’s crime rate rose by 9.1% compared to April, moving from 5.6 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, highlights the fluctuating nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately four crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the risk for residents in practical terms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 163 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the upward trend suggests vigilance in areas where anti-social behaviour and violence have previously been concentrated. The population context further illustrates that even with a 23.8% deficit compared to the UK, the localised nature of crime in Rawtenstall means residents experience a distinct profile of incidents, shaped by the area’s specific demographics and geography.