Garstang Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,573, Garstang recorded 23 crimes in April 2023, translating to a crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 53.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, underscoring the area’s relatively low crime profile. The breakdown of incidents reveals a clear focus on violent crimes, which accounted for 60.9% of the total (14 cases), followed by property crimes (4 cases). This dominance of violence and sexual offences, at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, contrasts with the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, suggesting a consistent pattern of lower violent crime in Garstang. Seasonal factors may contribute to this dynamic: April’s Easter period and spring weather typically bring increased outdoor activity, which could influence both the frequency and type of incidents reported. Anti-social behaviour, though lower in volume (2 cases), remains 75% below the UK average, indicating strong community policing or social cohesion efforts. However, the sharp increase in possession of weapons—186% above the UK average—raises questions about localized triggers, such as temporary spikes in illicit activity or changes in law enforcement priorities. These statistics, while low overall, highlight the need for targeted strategies to address specific vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of a built-up area with limited resources for crime prevention.

April 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Garstang, with criminal damage and arson, possession of weapons, and burglary each increasing by 100% compared to March. These spikes, though starting from zero incidents in the previous month, indicate sudden changes in local criminal activity. Conversely, public order offences fell by two-thirds, and anti-social behaviour dropped by half—suggesting a temporary decline in disorderly conduct. The area’s violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents is 19% below the UK average for this category, highlighting a consistent trend in lower levels of violence. However, possession of weapons in Garstang is 186% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may reflect localized factors such as increased police visibility or community-specific challenges. These figures offer a nuanced picture of Garstang’s crime profile, showing both resilience and areas requiring attention.

Garstang's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 21.1% compared to March, moving from 2.9 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in the monthly pattern of reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period—a rate that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a small built-up area. When scaled to the population of 6,573, the monthly exposure means that over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 286 residents. This figure provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents, placing the area’s experience in a broader demographic context. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, the upward trend suggests that local factors—such as seasonal activity or community dynamics—may be influencing the crime profile in ways that warrant continued monitoring.