Penwortham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Penwortham's August 2023 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents places it 43.2% below the UK average of 8.1, reinforcing its position as a relatively safe built-up area within South Ribble. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (35.4% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.2%) and other theft (15.2%). These figures align with patterns expected in a medium-sized urban area with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month and increased tourism—may contribute to some trends, though the lower-than-average burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000) suggests effective community policing or home security measures. Violence and sexual offences in Penwortham are 39% below the UK average for this category, potentially reflecting lower levels of alcohol-fuelled violence compared to larger urban centres. The breakdown of crimes shows a balance between property and violent crime, with property crimes accounting for 41% of the total and violent crimes for 35%. This distribution is consistent with areas where retail and community spaces are prominent. The lower-than-expected rates for shoplifting (50% below UK average) and vehicle crime (59% below) may indicate successful local initiatives targeting these specific areas. However, the significant increase in 'other theft' cases—particularly the 275% rise—warrants further analysis to determine whether this reflects a genuine shift in criminal activity or data collection anomalies. Overall, Penwortham's crime profile remains characterised by lower rates compared to national averages, though targeted efforts may be needed to address the recent upward trend in certain categories.

August 2023 saw a 275% surge in 'other theft' cases, rising from 4 to 15 incidents. This category, which includes burglary and vehicle-related theft, now accounts for 15.2% of all crimes in Penwortham. The doubling of shoplifting cases—from 3 to 6—suggests heightened activity in retail areas during the peak holiday season. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 50%, aligning with typical August patterns of reduced public gatherings. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category (35.4% of total crimes), but their rate of 1.6 per 1,000 is 39% below the UK average for this category. The sharp increase in other theft, combined with the 50% drop in drugs-related offences, highlights shifting patterns that may reflect seasonal tourism or changes in local policing priorities.

Penwortham's crime rate in August 2023 rose 4.3% compared to July's 4.4 per 1,000.2% below the UK average. Locally, this translates to approximately 3 crimes reported each day, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 219 residents experienced a reported crime, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents against the area's population of 21,671. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many comparable urban areas, reflecting Penwortham's built-up yet relatively low-crime profile. The increase in overall crime rate appears modest when viewed through the lens of daily activity, with most residents unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives. However, the specific rise in certain categories warrants closer examination of local factors influencing these trends.