Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate

Westmorland and Furness is a secure and stable local authority area with an overall crime rate of 71.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 82/100, which is above the UK average of 79. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor -4.8% decrease year-over-year, indicating a consistent and secure environment for its diverse population. While the area includes busy urban centres and industrial zones, the vast majority of the district remains quiet and safe. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring across Westmorland and Furness, highlighting the prevalence of violence and criminal damage, to help residents stay informed and maintain their personal and property security.

Westmorland and Furness is a vast and diverse local authority area in North West England, encompassing rural landscapes, coastal towns, and industrial hubs. Its crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography, which includes parts of the Lake District National Park, attracting millions of tourists annually. This transient population can lead to seasonal fluctuations in crime, particularly in tourism hotspots.

The area's overall crime rate of 71.5 per 1,000 residents is relatively low, reflecting its predominantly safe and rural nature. Key economic drivers include tourism, agriculture, and major industrial employers in towns like Barrow-in-Furness. While the rural areas are exceptionally quiet, the larger urban centres experience more typical urban crime patterns. Factors such as lower population density in many parts of the district contribute to its high safety score of 82/100. However, the contrast between the tranquil rural hinterlands and the busier industrial and commercial zones is a significant feature of the local crime profile. Understanding safety in Westmorland and Furness requires acknowledging this regional diversity, where the majority of incidents are concentrated in a few specific urban locations.

In Westmorland and Furness, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.5% of all reported incidents at a rate of 33.3 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson (9.7%) and public order offences (9.6%) are the next most significant categories. These figures suggest that personal and community-based incidents are the primary drivers of the local crime rate across the district.

The overall property crime rate in Westmorland and Furness is 20.1 per 1,000 people. This composite figure includes shoplifting (6.2%), other theft (6.1%), burglary (3.1%), and vehicle crime (1.7%). For residents and homeowners, this means that while violent offences are the most frequent, property-related crime is a persistent concern, particularly in urban areas. The data indicates that shoplifting and general theft are the most common property offences, often affecting commercial centres. While burglary represents a smaller percentage of the total, the absolute number of incidents (507) highlights the importance of home security. Residents should be aware that while the area is generally safe, opportunistic theft and criminal damage remain the most frequent risks to property and public order.

Westmorland and Furness has seen a stable trend in its safety profile over the past year, with a minor -4.8% decrease in total crime. This stability is a positive indicator for the district and suggests that local security and policing are maintaining a high standard.

Analysis of the monthly trendData shows that crime rates followed a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year. Activity began at 5.5 in January and fluctuated slightly, reaching a peak of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in August. The lowest rates were recorded in February (5.4) and September (5.6). This pattern suggests that the summer holiday period sees a slight increase in incidents, likely linked to the influx of tourists in the area. The consistent and relatively low monthly rates highlight the district's status as a safe place to live and visit. For residents, this means that while the overall risk remains low, continued vigilance during the busier summer months is advisable.

In the local regional context, Westmorland and Furness (71.5 per 1,000) is the primary administrative area for this part of North West England. In the comparison data provided, nearby areas such as Cumberland, Lancaster, County Durham, Ribble Valley, Wyre, and Darlington all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. While these figures likely represent a data anomaly in the comparison set, they highlight Westmorland and Furness as a distinct area with its own unique crime profile. For those living or working in the district, this context emphasizes the importance of understanding local urban-rural differences and maintaining appropriate security measures in its busier town centres.

With a property crime rate of 20.1 per 1,000 in Westmorland and Furness, and personal safety offences being the primary driver of the local rate, residents should focus on a security strategy that provides peace of mind both inside and outside the home. Traditional security systems, like basic CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they record an event but do nothing to prevent it. In an area that is generally safe but experiences persistent criminal damage and theft, reactive recording is often too late to provide real protection.

scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your home. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect suspicious activity in real-time. If a threat is identified, the system can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to deter the offender. For homeowners in Westmorland and Furness, the ability to protect the home perimeter and prevent burglary or criminal damage before it starts is a major advantage. Moving from simple recording to active, AI-driven prevention is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure across this diverse district. Professional-grade security signals to potential offenders that your home is not an easy target.

How To Keep Safe in Westmorland and Furness

The most common crime type in Westmorland and Furness is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and arson. Given the district's varied landscape, personal safety in both urban and rural settings is a key consideration.

To stay safe in town centres, remain aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and weekends. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts. If you are socialising at local venues, ensure you have a safe and planned route home.

Property crime is a persistent concern, with a rate of 20.1 per 1,000. Ensure your home is fully secured with high-quality locks and consider installing visible security measures, such as an alarm system or motion-activated lighting, which can serve as an effective deterrent. In rural areas, be particularly vigilant about securing outbuildings and farm equipment.

Vehicle crime is relatively low but still occurs. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a great way to stay informed about local trends and look out for your neighbours, contributing to the overall safety of the community across the district.