Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Westmorland and Furness recorded 1,369 crimes, equating to 6.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure is 25% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, marking a notable disparity in regional crime profiles. The local population of 230,185 residents experienced a crime rate that reflects a combination of factors, including the area's mix of rural and coastal environments. Violence and sexual offences (561 incidents) accounted for 41% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (168 incidents, 12.3%) and criminal damage and arson (153 incidents, 11.2%). These figures align with the area's seasonal context, where darker evenings and Halloween events may influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes. The dominance of violent crime suggests a combination of social dynamics, potentially influenced by the region's community structures and economic factors. Meanwhile, property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime remain significantly below UK averages, consistent with the lower population density and reduced urban activity characteristic of the area. The overall crime profile indicates a generally safer environment compared to the national average, though specific categories like violence and anti-social behaviour warrant attention.

October 2023 saw distinct shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person increasing by 60% (from 5 to 8 incidents), a jump that may reflect heightened awareness or targeted activity during Halloween. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 29.7% (from 118 to 153 incidents), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as increased use of outdoor spaces or delayed maintenance in rural areas. Robbery also increased by 25% (from 4 to 5 incidents). Conversely, possession of weapons decreased by 43.5% (from 23 to 13 incidents), a decline that could indicate improved community policing or reduced tensions. Vehicle crime fell by 12.5% (from 24 to 21 incidents), likely due to reduced traffic during the month or enhanced security measures. The area's performance on specific categories is striking: violence and sexual offences are 11% below the UK average, while drugs-related crime is 50% above, suggesting unique local challenges. Anti-social behaviour remains 45% below the national average, indicating effective community engagement or policing strategies in this category.

The crime rate in Westmorland and Furness remained stable in October 2023 compared to the previous month, with no change from the 6.0 per 1,000 residents figure. This consistency suggests that local initiatives or seasonal factors have not significantly altered the overall trajectory. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 44 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextually lower when considering the population size of 230,185 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in a region that is not densely populated. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which is not directly comparable due to the absence of a national daily or monthly figure. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the area's status as a safer region compared to the national average, though specific categories like drugs-related crime suggest targeted interventions may be necessary. The combination of stability in overall rates and distinct variances in crime types underscores the importance of localized analysis in understanding regional security.