Garstang Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Garstang's crime rate in January 2024 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 54.1% below the UK average of 7.4. This stark contrast highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies or the unique characteristics of this built-up area within Wyre. The most prevalent crime types were anti-social behaviour (36.4% of all incidents), followed by shoplifting (22.7%) and violence and sexual offences (13.6%). These figures suggest a pattern where community disorder and retail-related offences dominate, consistent with the area's likely mix of residential and commercial spaces. Seasonal factors may also contribute to these trends: January's reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours likely dampen opportunities for shoplifting and other outdoor crimes. However, anti-social behaviour remains higher than the UK average for this category, indicating a persistent challenge that may be linked to local social dynamics or unmet community needs. The overall low crime rate, particularly when compared to national figures, suggests that Garstang's environment — whether shaped by its rural-adjacent location, strong community ties, or effective policing — provides a relatively safe setting for residents. This contrast with the UK average underscores the importance of contextual factors in shaping crime profiles, even within a single month.

January 2024 saw a 72.7% decrease in violence and sexual offences, with reported cases falling from 11 to 3 — a significant shift that may reflect post-holiday calm or targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour, however, rose by 33.3% (from 6 to 8 cases), remaining 21% above the UK average of 1.0 per 1,000. This contrast highlights the complexity of local crime patterns, where reductions in violent crime coexist with persistent issues in community disorder. Shoplifting also remained 40% above the UK average, with 5 incidents recorded, suggesting ongoing challenges in retail environments. The 200% increase in criminal damage and arson, from 1 to 3 cases, is notable but occurs against a backdrop of overall low crime levels. These fluctuations indicate that while some areas of concern are improving, others require sustained attention.

Garstang's crime rate in January 2024 fell to 3.4 per 1,000 residents, a 24.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.4. This decline aligns with the post-holiday period, which typically sees reduced retail activity and fewer outdoor interactions. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a low-level, sporadic pattern of incidents. When scaled to the population of 6,573, this equates to one reported crime for every 299 residents over the course of the month — a figure that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban areas. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the local context suggests that community-specific factors, such as seasonal foot traffic and local policing efforts, may play a role in sustaining this trend. The monthly exposure metric offers residents a tangible sense of risk: for every 300 people in Garstang, one crime was reported in January, a manageable figure that contrasts sharply with national averages.