Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Westmorland and Furness in April 2023, accounting for 41.4% of all reported crimes — a rate of 2.6 per 1,000, exactly matching the UK average. This category’s prominence may be attributed to the area’s mix of rural and urban environments, where social interactions in community hubs, pubs, and public spaces could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. The overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 was 17.3% below the UK average, a figure that contrasts with the local emphasis on violent crime. Property crimes, including burglary and vehicle crime, were comparatively low, with burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 — 33% below the UK average — reflecting the area’s lower population density and fewer high-value targets. Seasonal factors in April, such as Easter-related events and increased outdoor activity, may have influenced the rise in robbery and bicycle theft, though these were offset by declines in shoplifting and other theft. The breakdown shows a unique profile: while violent crime aligns with national trends, property crime rates are significantly lower, suggesting a distinct local dynamic shaped by geography and community characteristics.

April 2023 saw a 300% increase in robbery cases, rising from 1 to 4 incidents — the most dramatic month-on-month change. Bicycle theft also rose sharply, with a 44.4% increase (9 to 13 cases), potentially linked to springtime outdoor activity. Burglary rose by 20.9% (43 to 52 cases), though it remains 33% below the UK average. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 21.6% (51 to 40 cases), possibly reflecting seasonal retail patterns or increased policing in high streets. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.4% of all crimes, matching the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, suggesting no deviation from national trends in this category. Criminal damage and arson in the area was 31% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect local factors such as historical building stock or community engagement patterns.

Westmorland and Furness maintained a stable crime rate in April 2023, with the overall rate remaining at 6.1 per 1,000 in March and 6.2 per 1,000 in April — a 0.8% increase, suggesting no significant shift in overall criminal activity. Daily crime context reveals 47 reported crimes per day on average, reflecting the local rhythm of a mixed rural-urban area where seasonal transitions and local events may influence reporting patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 162 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of criminal activity relative to the population of 230,185. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, though it remains lower than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The stability in crime rate contrasts with fluctuations in specific categories, such as the sharp rise in robbery, which may indicate isolated incidents rather than systemic trends.