Kirkby Lonsdale Crime Rate

Kirkby Lonsdale is a safe and vibrant urban settlement with a safety score of 87 out of 100. The area's overall crime rate is 56.1 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.1. Recent data indicates a moderate upward trend, with crime increasing by 8.8% year-over-year. Despite this, the property crime rate remains low at 18.1 per 1,000, well below the national average of 32.9. As a popular commercial and tourist destination, the crime profile is influenced by public order and shoplifting, though personal safety offences remain the most common category. This analysis explores the specific crime types, monthly trends, and temporal patterns that define the safety landscape of Kirkby Lonsdale.

Crime Breakdown in Kirkby Lonsdale

Kirkby Lonsdale's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.3% of all reported incidents. Public order offences and shoplifting are also significant, each representing 12.9% of the total. For residents and business owners, the overall property crime rate is 18.1 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting, other theft (8.1%), burglary (4.8%), and vehicle crime (1.6%). While the property crime rate is well below the UK average of 32.9, the prevalence of shoplifting and public order issues suggests that commercial areas and nightlife may be the primary focus of criminal activity. Homeowners should note that burglary, while less frequent than personal safety offences, still occurs at a rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents. Maintaining security for both homes and retail premises is essential for managing these localized risks.

Crime Trends in Kirkby Lonsdale

Kirkby Lonsdale has experienced a moderate 8.8% increase in crime year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a variable pattern, with a significant peak in August at 9.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, and another high in October at 6.3. Earlier months in the year, such as February, saw lower rates of 2.7. This variability suggests that crime in Kirkby Lonsdale may be influenced by seasonal factors, possibly related to tourism or local events. While the overall trend is slightly upward, the crime rate remains well within the "safe" range compared to national averages. Residents should remain aware of these fluctuations, particularly during busier months when opportunistic offences may be more common. Monitoring these trends helps the community stay proactive in maintaining Kirkby Lonsdale's high safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Kirkby Lonsdale

The most common crime in Kirkby Lonsdale is violence and sexual offences, often associated with public order and nightlife. Maintaining personal safety is key for residents and visitors alike.

1. When enjoying the local nightlife, stay with friends and look out for one another throughout the evening.
2. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas when walking home at night.
3. If you witness or are involved in a confrontation, do not escalate; move to a safe, well-lit area and contact the local authorities.
4. Business owners should ensure their premises are well-monitored and that staff are trained in personal safety and conflict de-escalation.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the local police; community involvement is essential for keeping Kirkby Lonsdale safe and welcoming.

Crime timing in Kirkby Lonsdale shows distinct shifts throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 63% and 61% of activity respectively. As the day transitions into evening and night, property risks become more acute. Between 6pm and 12am, burglary accounts for 33% of reports. This risk peaks during the night-time hours (12am-6am), where burglary surges to 42% and vehicle crime to 22% of all incidents. This data suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic theft, the hours of darkness pose a significant and specific threat to homes and vehicles, requiring robust overnight security measures.

In the local South Lakeland and Lonsdale region, Kirkby Lonsdale (56.1 crimes per 1,000) acts as a busier hub compared to its immediate neighbours. It has a higher crime rate than Burton-in-Kendal (14.9) and Holme (35.8). Nearby Casterton and Burton in Lonsdale both reported no crimes (0.0 per 1,000) during the same period. This contrast is likely due to Kirkby Lonsdale's larger population and its role as a centre for shopping, dining, and tourism, which naturally attracts more activity than the surrounding rural villages. Despite being higher than its neighbours, Kirkby Lonsdale remains a very safe location by national standards.

With a property crime rate of 18.1 per 1,000 and a notable 42% of night-time crime being burglary, Kirkby Lonsdale residents should consider advanced property protection. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage of an event only after it has occurred. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to monitor camera feeds in real-time. It can identify suspicious activity—such as someone loitering near a shopfront or residential entry point—before a crime is committed. In a community like Kirkby Lonsdale, where many properties may be historic or have unique layouts, scOS's multi-camera intelligence ensures every angle is covered. By triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audible alerts, scOS destroys the element of surprise for potential intruders, preventing crime before it can impact your home or business.