Garstang Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

May 2024 saw a significant surge in shoplifting, with 10 incidents reported—25% more than April and 134% above the UK average for this category. This unexpected spike stands out as the most surprising finding in the month’s crime data, given Garstang’s overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, which is 36.9% below the UK average of 8.4. The area’s crime profile is dominated by property crimes (18 incidents) and violent crimes (10 incidents), with shoplifting accounting for 28.6% of all reported crimes. This aligns with Garstang’s likely character as a small, built-up area within Wyre, where retail outlets and local businesses may contribute to shoplifting opportunities. Seasonal factors, such as longer evenings and bank holidays, likely played a role in the increase, as they often correlate with higher foot traffic and social activity in such communities. Violence and sexual offences, though a significant portion of the crime mix, remain 47% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the area’s lower population density and community-oriented environment. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also show notable deviations from national averages, with the former 45% below and the latter 19% below, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement strategies. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting and the above-average bicycle theft rate highlight areas where targeted interventions may be needed.

Shoplifting saw a 25% increase in May 2024, rising from eight to ten incidents, and remains 134% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in criminal damage and arson, highlights a shift in crime patterns that may reflect seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising. Vehicle crime also doubled, with two incidents reported, compared to none in April. Conversely, other theft fell by 50%, from two to one incident, a decline that contrasts with the overall upward trend. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark divergence from national averages: while violence and sexual offences are 47% below the UK rate, bicycle theft is 150% above. These disparities suggest that local characteristics—such as Garstang’s retail presence or transient visitor activity—may be driving specific crime types.

Garstang’s crime rate in May 2024 rose 16.7% from 4.6 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents compared to April, reflecting a modest upward trend. Daily crime statistics show an average of one reported crime per day across the built-up area, a figure that aligns with the area’s generally low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this small community. While the increase is notable, it remains far below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The population context further illustrates this: with 6,573 residents, even a modest rise in crime translates to a limited number of incidents. This suggests that local factors, such as seasonal activity or transient population movements, may be influencing the trend, though no definitive cause is evident from the data.