Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in December 2024, placing it 19.7% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local demographics, with the area’s crime profile shaped by its mix of rural and urban landscapes. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (45.8% of all reported incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (10.9%) and public order violations (7.9%). These patterns are consistent with the area’s character as a largely rural district with pockets of urban activity, where retail centres and seasonal events may drive specific crime types. December’s crime picture is influenced by the Christmas shopping peak, which often correlates with increased theft and public disorder. However, the area’s overall safety—evident in its lower-than-average rate—suggests effective policing strategies or community initiatives that mitigate risks. The rate of violence and sexual offences in the area matched the UK average, despite the higher proportion of such crimes compared to other regions. This balance may reflect the area’s relatively stable population and limited exposure to high-risk environments typically associated with urban centres. Seasonal factors, such as dark evenings and empty homes during the holiday season, likely contribute to fluctuations in property crimes, though the area’s overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the national benchmark.

December 2024 saw a 100% increase in theft from the person, with six incidents reported compared to zero in November. This surge, though small in absolute terms, highlights a shift in criminal focus during the holiday season, possibly linked to increased personal spending and crowded public spaces. Burglary also rose by 84%, climbing from 25 to 46 cases, a trend that may reflect the emptying of homes during Christmas holidays, creating opportunities for opportunistic thieves. Conversely, robbery fell by 75%, dropping from four to one incident, due to heightened police patrols or fewer targeted opportunities in colder weather. The area’s rate of drugs-related crimes was 67% above the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by local socioeconomic factors or regional differences in law enforcement priorities.

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in December 2024, marking a 5.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.1. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when colder weather and shorter daylight hours may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 43 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 174 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average when considering the area’s population of 230,185. This statistic underscores the relative safety of the region compared to national benchmarks, though local factors—such as community engagement initiatives or seasonal variations in police presence—may also influence these figures.