Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness saw a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents in August 2024, placing it 14.6% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure reflects a mixed crime picture shaped by seasonal factors and local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 43.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (9.5%) and drugs-related incidents (9.0%). The area’s lower-than-average crime rate contrasts with specific spikes in certain categories, such as drugs offences, which are 173% above the UK average. August, a peak holiday month, likely amplified risks associated with tourism and seasonal activity, though the overall rate remains stable compared to recent months. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (696 vs 428 incidents) suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts, possibly influenced by the area’s rural-urban mix and transient populations during the summer. Anti-social behaviour rates are lower than the UK average, which may reflect community cohesion or effective local policing strategies. However, the sharp rise in theft from the person and possession of weapons raises concerns for residents, particularly during the high season for tourism and outdoor recreation. The local context—combining rural expanses with coastal and historic sites—creates a unique environment where crime patterns diverge from national trends, requiring tailored approaches to safety and prevention.

August 2024 revealed sharp increases in theft from the person, which surged by 500% (from 3 to 18 incidents), and possession of weapons, which rose 187.5% (from 8 to 23). These jumps, though modest in absolute terms, signal a shift in criminal activity that residents should monitor closely. The drugs category also saw a 63.6% increase, rising from 88 to 144 incidents, a figure 173% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to the area’s accessibility via major transport routes or the presence of transient populations during the summer. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 61.5% (from 13 to 5), likely due to reduced summer activity or improved security measures. The crime mix shifted significantly, with violent crime (43.3%) outpacing property crime (26.6%), a reversal from previous months. Violence and sexual offences, while down 7% compared to July, remain 12% above the UK average. This divergence highlights the area’s unique challenges, where rural isolation and tourism create distinct risks. Residents are advised to remain vigilant in public spaces and secure valuables, particularly during late-night hours when theft from the person incidents are most common.

The crime rate in August 2024 (7.0 per 1,000 residents) remained stable compared to July’s 6.9, reflecting a 1.5% increase—a negligible change that suggests consistent patterns over the past two months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 52 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of local activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 143 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but still requires attention to specific risk factors. With a population of 230,185, the area’s crime statistics must be viewed through the lens of its geography: a blend of rural landscapes, coastal towns, and historic sites that attract both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, certain categories—such as drugs offences and violence—stand out as areas requiring targeted intervention. The comparison to the UK average also reveals disparities: anti-social behaviour is 51% below the national rate, which may indicate strong community engagement or effective local policing, but drugs-related crime is high. These contrasts underscore the importance of tailored strategies that address both the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of the area.