Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness maintained a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents in July 2023, a figure 30.1% below the UK average of 8.3. This continued trend of lower-than-national rates reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most reported crime category, accounting for 43.4% of all incidents.5 per 1,000 was 10% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 11.1% of total crimes, with its rate of 0.6 per 1,000 nearly 58% below the UK figure. The area’s rural and coastal nature, combined with a relatively low population density, may partly explain the lower overall crime rate. July, a peak summer month with festivals and extended daylight hours, typically sees shifts in crime patterns. While violence and anti-social behaviour often rise during such periods, Westmorland and Furness saw these categories remain below UK averages. This could be linked to community engagement during events or the area’s limited urban centres, which may reduce opportunities for certain offences. However, the seasonal context also means increased foot traffic in tourist areas, which could influence property crime trends. The data suggests a combination of local geography and seasonal activity, with the area’s crime profile continuing to diverge from national norms.

July 2023 saw several notable declines in crime, with anti-social behaviour falling by 39.8% compared to June, a reduction from 246 to 148 incidents. Bicycle theft plummeted by 60%, dropping from 10 to 4 cases, likely reflecting increased awareness during summer months or reduced outdoor activity. Possession of weapons also decreased by 38.1%, from 21 to 13, though this remains 25% above the UK average. In contrast, theft from the person rose by 20%, increasing from 5 to 6 incidents, a small but notable uptick. The crime mix also shifted slightly, with violent crimes making up 43.4% of all incidents, compared to 11.1% for anti-social behaviour. Drug-related offences stood out as the only category exceeding the UK average by 36%, with 0.3 per 1,000 compared to the national rate of 0.2. This disparity may indicate localised challenges in drug enforcement or distribution. For residents, the sharp drop in anti-social behaviour offers a tangible sign of improved community safety, potentially linked to summer events fostering a sense of collective vigilance. However, the small rise in theft from the person underscores the need for continued caution in public spaces, particularly during busy tourist periods.

The crime rate in Westmorland and Furness fell by 18.3% from 7.1 per 1,000 in June to 5.8 per 1,000 in July, marking a consistent downward trend. This reduction, when compared to the UK average, places the area in a starkly safer position, with residents experiencing a crime rate over 30% lower than the national figure. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 43 crimes reported each day in July, a figure that contextualises the overall rate in terms of immediate local impact. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 173 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively low risk of personal involvement in crime. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the area’s 230,185 residents collectively faced 1,332 crimes, translating to a manageable burden compared to larger urban centres. The previous month’s rate of 7.1 per 1,000 highlights the recent progress made in reducing crime, a trend that may be reinforced by seasonal factors such as increased community engagement during summer festivals. While the UK average remains higher, the area’s ability to maintain a consistently lower rate underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the influence of its rural character in mitigating crime opportunities.