Penwortham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Penwortham's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 47% below the UK average of 8.3. This marked a continuation of the built-up area's generally lower crime profile. Violence and sexual offences were the most reported category, accounting for 39% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 29.5% and burglary at 6.3%. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, with schools out and tourism at its height—may have influenced these trends. For instance, the high rate of violence and sexual offences could be partially explained by increased public gatherings and outdoor events, which are common in the area during this time of year. Conversely, property crimes like shoplifting and vehicle crime were lower than the UK average, with shoplifting at 83% below the national rate. This may reflect the area's relatively small retail presence compared to larger urban centres. The overall crime rate, while low, does not obscure the fact that certain categories, such as anti-social behaviour, require targeted attention. The combination of summer-specific factors and the area's built-up nature likely contributes to these patterns, though further analysis will be needed to fully understand the drivers.

July 2023 saw a stark rise in possession of weapons, with the category increasing by 100% from zero to two incidents. This sudden emergence of a previously non-existent crime type raises questions about local dynamics, though no direct causal factors are confirmed. The category's UK average is 0.1 per 1,000, meaning Penwortham's rate is 25% above, a significant departure from the area's generally lower crime profile. Meanwhile, other theft fell by 55.6%, from nine to four incidents, a decline that may partly reflect seasonal patterns—July typically sees fewer shopping opportunities than festive periods. Shoplifting also dropped sharply, with only three incidents reported, 83% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This contrasts with anti-social behaviour, which rose by 16.7% to 28 incidents, the second-highest category. The increase in anti-social behaviour may be linked to the summer season, when public spaces are more frequently used and events draw larger crowds. These shifts highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local crime trends, though further analysis is needed to confirm patterns.

Penwortham's crime rate in July 2023 fell slightly to 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a 3.1% decrease from June's 4.5. This means the area remains 47% below the UK average, a consistent trend that reflects broader regional safety measures. Locally, this translates to roughly three crimes reported each day, or one crime for every 228 residents over the course of the month. For context, the population of 21,671 means that the average resident faces a significantly lower risk of victimisation compared to the national average. The drop in overall crime rate aligns with the summer season, when local authorities often see reduced activity in certain crime categories, such as vehicle theft and shoplifting, due to extended daylight hours and increased community engagement. However, the slight decrease does not fully offset the year-to-date patterns, which have shown a steady decline in violent crime but persistent challenges in anti-social behaviour. The daily crime count of three remains a tangible figure for residents to consider, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or public spaces that require ongoing community vigilance.