Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Westmorland and Furness, 6 crimes were reported in September 2024 — a figure 22.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 166 residents over the course of the month. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violent offences, which accounted for 43.5% of all crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (10.7%) and anti-social behaviour (9.9%). This mix of crime types suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. The seasonal context of September — when schools and universities reopen — likely contributes to patterns seen in violence and sexual offences, which rose slightly compared to the previous month. While violent crime remains a concern, the area’s overall rate is lower than the UK average, with anti-social behaviour rates 49% below the national figure. This could reflect effective community policing strategies or the rural-urban mix of the district, where lower population density may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (78% below UK average) may also align with the area’s character, where fewer commuters and less congested roads could reduce opportunities for such offences. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft — now 0.1 per 1,000 — suggests a need for targeted measures in areas with high student or commuter populations. As nights draw in and seasonal rhythms shift, local authorities may need to monitor how these factors influence crime patterns in the coming months.

September 2024 saw significant month-on-month changes in crime trends for Westmorland and Furness. Bicycle theft surged by 160%, jumping from 5 to 13 incidents — a sharp increase that may reflect heightened activity during the back-to-school period or vulnerabilities in local storage facilities. Robbery also rose by 100%, with six reported cases compared to zero in August, though this may be an anomaly due to small numbers. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 77.8%, from 18 to 4 incidents, linked to increased awareness or seasonal factors. The crime mix also shifted: violent offences accounted for 43.5% of all crimes, a slight increase compared to previous months, while property crimes (including burglary and vehicle crime) remained well below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour rates in the area were 49% below the UK average, a figure that could indicate strong community cohesion or effective local interventions. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson — at 0.6 per 1,000 — were 7% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted prevention efforts in specific locations. For residents, the most concrete takeaway is the 160% rise in bicycle theft, which may prompt local authorities to review security measures in high-traffic areas or campuses.

The crime rate in Westmorland and Furness fell by 14% in September 2024 compared to the previous month, dropping from 7.0 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, highlights the fluctuating nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 46 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualised by the district’s population of 230,185. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for roughly every 166 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic offers a tangible perspective for residents: the likelihood of encountering a crime in their immediate vicinity is relatively low compared to the national picture. The population-scaled context also reveals that the area’s crime profile is shaped by both its rural and urban characteristics. For instance, the sharp drop in vehicle crime (78% below UK average) may be linked to lower commuter traffic or fewer high-traffic areas compared to more densely populated regions. However, the rise in bicycle theft suggests that specific micro-environments — such as university campuses or student housing — may require closer attention. These comparisons underscore the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to the unique demographics and geography of Westmorland and Furness, ensuring that efforts align with the most pressing challenges while leveraging the district’s strengths in maintaining a relatively low crime rate.