Swarthmoor Crime Rate

Swarthmoor is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 31.0 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 90/100. While the area has seen a 65.5% increase in reported crime year-over-year, it remains one of the most secure locations in the country. Personal safety and property damage represent the largest portion of local reports, while property crime is remarkably rare. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime reported, monthly trends, and time-based patterns to help residents and visitors stay informed about local safety.

Crime Breakdown in Swarthmoor

The most frequent crime category in Swarthmoor is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for a high 60.4% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 18.8 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the second most common at 12.5%, followed by other crime at 8.3%.

Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at an exceptionally low rate of 6.5 per 1,000 people. This is less than one-fifth of the UK average of 32.9, making Swarthmoor one of the safest areas for property owners. Other theft represents 4.2% of reports, while vehicle crime accounts for 2.1%. Burglary is practically non-existent in the reported data. For residents, these statistics indicate that while personal safety and property damage are the main areas of concern, the risk of home break-ins and vehicle theft is minimal compared to national trends.

Crime Trends in Swarthmoor

Swarthmoor has seen a significant increase in reported crime over the past 12 months, with an overall rise of 65.5%. While this indicates an upward trend, the area remains exceptionally safe compared to national averages.

Monthly data reveals that crime peaked in November 2024 at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, with a secondary peak in January 2025 at 3.9. In contrast, the safest periods were June, July, September, and October 2025, when the rate dropped to just 1.9. The crime rate remained fairly stable across the rest of the year, typically staying between 1.9 and 3.2. Despite these monthly variations, Swarthmoor's general safety profile remains outstanding, and the recent increase represents a relatively small number of actual incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Swarthmoor

The most common crime category in Swarthmoor is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk is exceptionally low, these practical steps can help you stay safe.

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening, and stick to well-lit, familiar paths.
2. Ensure your home and belongings are secure at all times, as property damage and miscellaneous offences are notable factors in the area.
3. Report any instances of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour to the local authorities to help maintain the community's outstanding safety score.
4. If you park your vehicle on the street, ensure no valuables are left inside, particularly at night when vehicle crime risk is at its highest.
5. Participate in local community safety initiatives to stay informed about any emerging issues or specific safety concerns in the Swarthmoor area.

Crime Time Patterns in Swarthmoor

Crime in Swarthmoor follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. The morning and afternoon periods are characterized by a mix of theft and miscellaneous offences, with theft peaking at 41% during the afternoon window. This suggests that opportunistic offences are more likely during the busy daylight hours.

As evening approaches, the risk profile shifts. Between 6pm and midnight, the "Other" category of crime rises to 80%, while theft drops to 12%. During the night-time hours (12am to 6am), the "Other" category remains high at 65%, and vehicle crime reaches its daily peak at 26% of reports. These patterns indicate that while theft is a daytime concern, community-based offences are most frequent during the evening and night. Burglary is not a significant factor in the reported data across any time period.

In the local regional context, Swarthmoor is a very safe option. It has a significantly lower crime rate than nearby Ulverston (73.6) and Dalton-in-Furness (53.8). While it is more active than the tiny hamlets of Lindal in Furness and Great Urswick—both of which reported zero crimes—it remains an exceptionally low-risk settlement for its size. This positioning makes Swarthmoor an attractive choice for those who want to live in a highly secure, rural village while remaining close to larger urban centres.

Home Security in Swarthmoor

Swarthmoor homeowners benefit from an exceptionally low property crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents, but the high percentage of violence and property damage in the area suggests that perimeter security and personal safety should still be a priority. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive—they record an event but do nothing to stop it in real-time.

For residents who want to maintain Swarthmoor's outstanding safety standards, proactive AI-powered protection like scOS offers a superior solution. By monitoring your property boundaries 24/7, scOS can identify genuine threats before they reach your home. When a potential intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting and audio warnings to stop the crime before it happens. In an area where miscellaneous offences are highest during the night-time hours, having an intelligent system that "never blinks" provides the continuous vigilance needed to keep your home and family safe.