Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Westmorland and Furness in February 2023 reveals a distinctive balance of crime types that reflects the area's geographical and social characteristics. With a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents—24.6% below the UK average—the local landscape is marked by a relatively low overall risk of victimisation. However, the distribution of crime types deviates significantly from national trends, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 40.8% of all reported crimes. This high proportion of violent crimes, which is 15% below the UK average for this category, suggests that interpersonal conflicts and incidents of aggression remain a persistent challenge in the area. The prominence of violence is likely influenced by the region's mix of rural and coastal communities, where social isolation and limited access to support services may contribute to higher rates of domestic or community-based violence. In contrast, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft are low, with vehicle crime at 78% below the UK average. This pattern may be attributed to the area's limited urban centres and lower population density, which reduce opportunities for such offences. Anti-social behaviour, which makes up 11.8% of crimes, is also lower than the UK average by 38%, reflecting the community's generally stable social environment. Seasonal factors in February—such as reduced outdoor activity and the pre-spring lull—may have further suppressed property-related crimes, though the high share of violent incidents suggests that indoor social interactions and other winter-specific dynamics are playing a role. The data underscores a combination of the area's rural character, seasonal rhythms, and local social structures in shaping its crime profile.

The crime mix in February 2023 revealed a pronounced emphasis on violent crimes, which made up 40.8% of all reported incidents—significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This dominance of violence and sexual offences contrasts with the lower share of property crimes, which accounted for 31.2% of total offences (370 out of 1195). Vehicle crime was 78% below the UK average, aligning with the area's sparse urban infrastructure and limited commuter traffic. Meanwhile, drug-related offences were 11% above the national average, a figure that may reflect regional disparities in policing or social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.8% of total crimes, was 38% below the UK average, suggesting a generally lower incidence of disruptive public conduct. These patterns indicate a community where interpersonal conflicts and antisocial tendencies are less prevalent than in other parts of the country, but where violent incidents remain a persistent concern.

Westmorland and Furness recorded 1195 crimes in February 2023, equating to 43 crimes per day. This daily rate is consistent with the area's generally low crime profile, which sits 24.6% below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 193 residents, reflecting a relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the local rate remains stable, the distribution of crime types diverges from the UK average in notable ways. For instance, violent crimes are 15% below the UK average, while vehicle crime is 78% below, suggesting distinct local factors influencing criminal activity. These figures highlight the area's unique balance between low-level property crimes and higher rates of antisocial behaviour, which may be tied to its rural and coastal character. The 1-in-193 monthly exposure rate is a useful benchmark for residents, offering context on the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life.