Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, 29.7% below the UK average of 7.4. This places the area among the safer regions in the country, a position consistent with its largely rural character and lower population density. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.4% of all incidents (554 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (10.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). The dominance of violent crimes, despite the area’s low population density, may be influenced by local factors such as community dynamics or the presence of specific at-risk groups. Seasonal context also plays a role: January’s reduced retail activity and shorter days likely contributed to lower property crimes, though violence and anti-social behaviour remained elevated. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.6 per 1,000, meaning the local rate is 8% below that benchmark. This contrast with the UK average is even more pronounced in categories like anti-social behaviour (39% below) and shoplifting (65% below), which may reflect the area’s smaller population and lower levels of commercial activity. However, drug-related crimes in the area were 43% above the UK average, a divergence that could indicate local challenges in substance abuse or law enforcement priorities. These patterns suggest a combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal factors that shape the area’s crime profile.

January 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Anti-social behaviour increased by 15.6% (109 to 126), the largest monthly rise, which may reflect seasonal shifts in community activity or unmet demand for local services. Vehicle crime rose by 13.9% (36 to 41), potentially linked to colder weather prompting more indoor activity and less vehicle usage. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell sharply by 40.2% (97 to 58), a stark contrast to the category’s 43% above the UK average. Burglary also dropped by 34.0% (53 to 35), due to increased home security measures or seasonal patterns affecting intruder activity. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of crime in the area, with some categories bucking national trends while others align closely with them.

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, a 5.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may contribute to lower outdoor crime activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 39 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 193 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s population of 230,185. When compared to the UK average, the local rate remains lower, but the daily and monthly metrics provide a tangible sense of how crime is distributed across the community. This data suggests that while the area is generally safer than the national average, the frequency of incidents still requires attention from local authorities and residents alike.