Penwortham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Penwortham, 3.4 crimes were reported in May 2023—a figure 57.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s relatively low-risk environment, though it is not without its nuances. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.5% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.0%, with both categories well below their respective national averages. The area’s crime profile reflects a mix of residential stability and seasonal fluctuations, with May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely influencing patterns of outdoor activity and associated risks. Property crimes, including shoplifting and criminal damage, made up 26 of the 74 total incidents, a share that edged above violent crimes for the first time this year. This shift may indicate evolving dynamics in local crime trends, though the overall rate remains firmly in the lower quartile nationally. The decline in anti-social behaviour—down 46.9% compared to April—suggests that reduced public drinking during warmer weather could be a factor. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime, surging 500% to six incidents, raises questions about whether this reflects a seasonal uptick or a more targeted trend. Penwortham’s position as a built-up area within South Ribble, with its mix of residential and commercial zones, likely contributes to the balance between property and violent crime. The area’s crime picture thus illustrates a combination of consistent safety measures and the influence of seasonal and environmental factors on local crime patterns.

May 2023 saw a 500.0% surge in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 6 incidents, a sharp increase that may reflect seasonal changes or targeted criminal activity. This spike contributed to a shift in the crime mix, with property crimes (26) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (27) for the first time in recent months. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common offence, fell by 46.9% (from 32 to 17), a drop consistent with Penwortham’s seasonal patterns of reduced public drinking. Bicycle theft also declined by 50.0% (from 2 to 1), suggesting that increased awareness or policing efforts may have played a role. While vehicle crime and other categories like 'other crime' and 'drugs' saw sharp increases, these remain small in absolute terms—each category added only one incident compared to the prior month. The UK comparison reveals that Penwortham’s violent crime rate (1.3 per 1,000) is 53% below the national average, a gap that persists despite the rise in vehicle-related incidents. The drop in public order offences—down 83.3%—aligns with the area’s likely seasonal shift toward fewer outdoor gatherings as the weather warms.

Penwortham’s crime rate in May 2023 fell by 26.0% compared to April, declining from 4.6 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction positions the area as significantly safer than the UK average, with a crime rate 57.5% below the national benchmark of 8.0 per 1,000. Over the 31-day period, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 293 residents. This low-risk environment is reinforced by the population-scaled perspective: violent crimes accounted for 36.5% of all crimes, a proportion 53% below the UK average. While vehicle crime rose sharply, the overall context remains one of relative safety. The decline in public order offences—down 83.3% (from 6 to 1)—suggests a seasonal shift, potentially linked to reduced outdoor drinking as May progresses. These patterns align with Penwortham’s character as a largely residential area, where community-focused policing and seasonal rhythms may contribute to the observed trends. The area’s lower-than-average rates for property crimes and anti-social behaviour further underscore its comparative safety, even as specific categories like vehicle crime show spikes. This duality—consistent low risk overall with pockets of volatility—highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of emerging trends.