Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness recorded 1,455 crimes in October 2024, equating to a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents—22.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, contextualised by the area’s population of 230,185, reveals a crime profile that is lower than the national benchmark but not without its own distinct patterns. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.4% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (10.2%) and public order offences (9.2%). These figures align with the area’s character as a largely rural district with a mix of urban centres, where seasonal factors such as the transition into darker evenings and the timing of Halloween may influence crime dynamics. The dominance of violent crime suggests a need to consider local social and environmental factors, such as the impact of reduced visibility and increased social gatherings during the month. In contrast, categories like anti-social behaviour (61% below the UK average) and shoplifting (58% below) indicate areas where community efforts or geographical features may contribute to lower rates. The relatively low property crime rate—comprising just 28.4% of total incidents—further reinforces the idea that the area’s crime profile is shaped by different priorities and challenges compared to more densely populated regions. These patterns, while influenced by national trends, are distinct enough to warrant a closer examination of local conditions and their interplay with broader societal changes.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person increasing by 75% compared to the previous month, rising from 4 to 7 incidents. This sharp rise, though still a small absolute number, highlights a potential vulnerability in personal security during darker evenings. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 30.8%, dropping from 13 to 9, possibly reflecting seasonal changes in cycling activity or increased awareness. Other crime rose by 45.7%, with the category expanding from 35 to 51 incidents, indicating a broadening range of reported offences. The area’s violent crime profile also stands out: violence and sexual offences are 5% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour remains 61% below, suggesting a community that may be more proactive in addressing disruptive conduct. These variations underscore the combination of local initiatives and broader national trends.

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, marking a 5.2% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.0. This translates to 47 crimes reported daily on average, a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 158 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates the area within a broader demographic context. With a population of 230,185, this rate reflects a balance between the local community’s size and the number of incidents recorded. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the area’s crime rate remains 22.2% below the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a need to monitor trends closely. This increase, though modest, could be influenced by seasonal factors such as darker evenings and the transition into winter, which may affect patterns of outdoor activity and visibility.