Rawtenstall Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2024, Rawtenstall’s crime rate stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, 4.1% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure, while modestly elevated, reflects a combination of local conditions and broader trends. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 33.6% of all reported incidents, far exceeding the UK average by 163%. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, making up 29.0% of total crimes, though this category was 15% below the UK average. The balance between property and violent crime was nearly equal, with 43 property crimes and 44 violent crimes recorded—a shift that may indicate seasonal pressures or evolving patterns in community dynamics. January, typically a post-holiday month with reduced retail footfall and shorter days, may have contributed to a higher incidence of anti-social behaviour, which often peaks during periods of social isolation or disrupted routines. Meanwhile, the low levels of shoplifting and public order offences, both below UK averages, suggest that local initiatives or environmental factors—such as improved lighting in high-traffic areas—may have helped mitigate certain types of crime. The data also highlights the importance of contextualising crime rates within the area’s built-up character, where dense population centres and limited green spaces could influence the types of offences reported. While the overall rate remains within the UK’s broader range, the sharp divergence in specific categories, such as anti-social behaviour, warrants attention to localised social and environmental conditions that may be driving these patterns.

January 2024 marked a notable shift in crime dynamics, with burglary incidents doubling from 4 to 8—a 100% increase—potentially linked to colder weather driving more indoor activity or targeted opportunism. Simultaneously, possession of weapons rose by 100%, reflecting a concerning spike in a category that is 43% above the UK average. These increases contrast with declines in criminal damage and arson, which fell by 46.2%, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. The balance between property and violent crime remained closely aligned, with 43 property crimes and 44 violent crimes reported, suggesting a combination of local factors such as anti-social behaviour and more targeted offences. Anti-social behaviour alone accounted for 33.6% of all crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average by 163%, a figure that may partly explain the overall rate’s slight elevation above national benchmarks.

Rawtenstall's crime rate in January 2024 rose to 7.7 per 1,000 residents, a 10.2% increase from the previous month’s 6.9 per 1,000. This shift places the area 4.1% above the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged five incidents per day across 31 days, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of a built-up area within Rossendale. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 20,000. While this rate is comparable to other similar-sized areas, the slight upward trend may suggest seasonal pressures, such as post-holiday disruptions or colder weather influencing patterns of anti-social behaviour. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the increase, the overall risk to any individual remains relatively low, with most residents unlikely to experience crime directly.