Burscough Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Burscough, 4.9 crimes were reported in December 2024 — a rate 31% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This translates to one reported crime for every 205 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises risk in everyday terms. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences (20 cases, 42.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (16 cases, 34.0%). These figures reflect a pattern consistent with the area's seasonal rhythms, as December brought extended dark evenings, holiday shopping activity, and empty homes over the festive period. While violent crime remained the largest category, the overall rate was significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting a combination of local factors — such as community engagement initiatives or a lower population density — may contribute to this disparity. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.6 per 1,000, meaning Burscough's rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is 18% below, a difference that could reflect targeted policing efforts or demographic characteristics. However, anti-social behaviour in Burscough was 81% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000, highlighting a specific challenge in managing public order during the holiday season. These patterns illustrate how crime rates, while influenced by national trends, are shaped by local contexts such as community dynamics, policing strategies, and seasonal activity levels.

December 2024 saw a 100% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 2 incidents — a sharp contrast to the 85.7% drop in other theft (from 7 to 1) and the 75% decline in criminal damage and arson (from 4 to 1). These shifts in crime mix suggest a seasonal reallocation of criminal activity, with property crimes potentially drawing attention during the holiday period. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained a standout issue, with 16 cases reported — 81% above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. This figure may be linked to the festive season's social gatherings and increased alcohol consumption in public spaces. Shoplifting fell by 50% compared to November, from 4 to 2 incidents, reflecting reduced retail footfall during the Christmas closure period or heightened surveillance in stores. The UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, meaning Burscough's rate of 0.2 per 1,000 is 65% below, a gap that could indicate effective local measures such as visible policing or store security upgrades. These variations underscore how specific crime types respond differently to seasonal and local factors, offering residents a nuanced view of their immediate risk profile.

Burscough's December 2024 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 marked a 30.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000 — a drop that may be attributed to the transition into the festive season, when some criminal activity shifts to quieter periods or targeted environments. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported across 31 days, a figure that, while modest, reflects the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 205 residents — a ratio that, when compared to the UK average (which is not provided for this section), illustrates Burscough's relative safety. The population of 9,631 residents means that the 47 reported crimes were spread across a smaller, more tightly knit community, potentially increasing the visibility of crime and the impact on individuals. This population-scaled perspective reveals that the 31% gap between Burscough's rate and the UK average is not just a statistical difference but a tangible reduction in risk for local residents. However, the sharp contrast in specific categories — such as anti-social behaviour being 81% above the UK average — highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where local conditions diverge from national trends. These comparisons offer a clear picture of how Burscough's crime profile, while generally safer than the UK average, still faces unique challenges in managing certain types of offending.