Westmorland and Furness Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Westmorland and Furness maintained a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 in January 2026, placing it 18.2% below the UK average of 6.6. This performance reflects a combination of geographic and demographic factors, including the area’s rural character, which likely contributes to lower rates of property-related crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft. However, the crime profile highlights a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly half (48.8%) of all reported incidents, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This suggests that social dynamics in the area—potentially influenced by the presence of smaller communities and local amenities—may play a role in the prevalence of violent crime. Seasonal factors also shaped the crime picture, with January’s post-holiday period and reduced retail activity aligning with the area’s lower shoplifting rates (27% below the UK average). Meanwhile, public order offences (10.0% of total crimes) and criminal damage (10.0%) exceeded national averages, linked to the area’s reliance on community spaces and the impact of colder weather on public behaviour. These findings illustrate a combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with Westmorland and Furness demonstrating resilience in reducing overall crime while managing specific challenges in violent and disorder-related incidents.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with robbery incidents surging by 200% (from 2 to 6 cases) and theft from the person doubling to 4 incidents. These sharp increases, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect heightened vulnerability in certain areas, such as isolated locations or during late-night hours. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by two-thirds (from 6 to 2), possibly linked to seasonal factors like reduced cycling activity in colder weather. The area also recorded a 29% below-average rate for burglary, consistent with the lower density of high-traffic commercial zones compared to major urban centres. Vehicle crime rose by 42.1% (19 to 27), a trend that could be attributed to increased vehicle movements during holiday-related travel or the presence of car parks in tourist areas. Meanwhile, drug-related incidents fell by 29%, a decline that may indicate the effectiveness of local enforcement efforts or shifts in illicit activity patterns.

Westmorland and Furness recorded a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 in January 2026, a 5.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.6. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in January, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours contribute to lower outdoor crime rates. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 40 incidents per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity within the area. However, the monthly exposure metric—1 reported crime for every 187 residents—provides a more tangible sense of risk for individuals. This rate, while lower than the UK average, reflects a nuanced picture: while property-related crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary remain well below national levels, violent crime categories like violence and sexual offences exceed the UK average by 7%. This contrast underscores the area’s unique demographic and geographic factors, including its mix of rural and urban landscapes, which may influence both the prevalence and nature of crime.