Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw a notable shift in crime patterns across Westmorland and Furness, with the most unexpected movement being a 92.3% increase in reported possession of weapons. This surge, from 13 to 25 incidents, contrasts sharply with the overall crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents—26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The area’s crime profile remained dominated by violence and sexual offences (42.5% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%). These figures align with the seasonal context of November, which includes Bonfire Night and the early stages of Black Friday shopping, both of which may contribute to heightened tensions and property-related incidents. Despite the overall low rate, the spike in weapons possession raises questions about local factors that could have driven this anomaly. The area’s relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average may reflect its rural character, where community cohesion and limited urban density could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the increase in weapons possession suggests a need for further analysis of local dynamics, such as whether seasonal events or demographic shifts have played a role. The dominance of violent crimes, even in a low-crime area, underscores the importance of targeted interventions in addressing interpersonal conflicts and ensuring public safety.

November 2023 marked a sharp increase in possession of weapons, rising by 92.3% to 25 incidents—a jump that outpaced all other crime category changes. This was accompanied by a 66.7% rise in vehicle crime (from 21 to 35) and a 14.3% increase in drug-related offences (63 to 72). These upward trends contrasted with significant declines in burglary (-34.0%), robbery (-60.0%), and bicycle theft (-62.5%), which fell to 33, 2, and 3 incidents respectively. The area’s violent crime rate (2.4 per 1,000) remained 7% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) was 33% below the national benchmark. However, the surge in drug-related crimes (0.3 per 1,000) placed the area 50% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a potential localised issue. Residents may find the 62.5% drop in bicycle theft particularly notable, suggesting that increased awareness or improved security measures in local areas may have had a measurable impact.

The crime rate in Westmorland and Furness fell by 7.2% from 6.0 per 1,000 in October to 5.5 per 1,000 in November 2023, continuing a downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 42 crimes per day in November, a figure that, while low, reflects the persistent presence of crime in a region with a population of 230,185. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 181 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, though not directly comparable due to the absence of national daily or monthly exposure statistics. This low rate may be attributed to the area’s rural nature, where limited population density and strong community networks could reduce opportunities for certain crimes. However, the 50% increase in drug-related offences compared to the UK average indicates a specific vulnerability that warrants attention. The contrast between falling burglary rates and rising drug-related crimes suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity, influenced by seasonal factors such as the end of the festive shopping period or changes in local demographics.