The question of how the crime rate in Westmorland and Furness compares to the national average is a valid one, and the data provides a clear picture. Westmorland and Furness, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 230,185, currently exhibits a crime rate of 71.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate, which stands at 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This difference is significant and suggests a generally safer environment within Westmorland and Furness compared to the national landscape. To put this in context, neighbouring areas show varying rates: Cumberland has a crime rate of 79.8 per 1,000, Lancaster registers 105.7 per 1,000, County Durham experiences 111.8 per 1,000, Ribble Valley has a significantly lower rate of 54.4 per 1,000, Wyre records 85.6 per 1,000, and Darlington faces a higher rate of 120.2 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight Westmorland and Furness’s comparatively favourable position.
Furthermore, the area’s safety score reflects this lower crime rate, standing at 82 out of 100, whereas the UK average sits at 79. A higher safety score indicates a greater perceived sense of security among residents. While these figures provide a valuable snapshot, it's important to remember that crime statistics can fluctuate and represent reported incidents. They do not necessarily reflect the prevalence of all criminal activity.
Understanding these figures allows for a more informed perspective on safety and security within Westmorland and Furness. It's always advisable to stay updated on local community safety initiatives and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.