Thornton (Wyre) Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Thornton (Wyre) continues to demonstrate a crime profile significantly more favourable than the UK average, with a recorded rate of 4.8 crimes per 1,000 residents in October 2023 — 40% below the national figure of 8.0. This built-up area within Wyre shows a distinct pattern in crime distribution, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 44.4% of all reported incidents (40 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17 cases) and criminal damage and arson (10 cases). These figures contrast with the UK averages for these categories, which sit 22% higher for violence, 30% higher for anti-social behaviour, and 21% higher for criminal damage. The seasonal context of October — marked by darker evenings and Halloween — likely contributes to the prominence of violent crime, as outdoor activities diminish and indoor gatherings increase. While property crime constitutes 31% of the total (28 cases), the area's violent crime rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting a combination of effective community policing and lower socioeconomic pressures compared to larger urban centres. The absence of significant spikes in theft from the person or vehicle crime further reinforces the area's relatively stable security environment, though the seasonal transition from autumn to winter may still influence future patterns.

October 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting increasing by 300% (2 to 8 cases) and burglary doubling from 0 to 3 cases — the most dramatic month-on-month changes recorded. This surge in shoplifting may be linked to Halloween-related retail activity, though the absence of a corresponding rise in theft from the person suggests targeted retail theft rather than opportunistic loitering. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 26.1% (23 to 17 cases), and public order offences fell by 42.9% (7 to 4 cases), potentially reflecting reduced outdoor gatherings as temperatures dropped. The violent crime category, though remaining the most prevalent, is 22% below the UK average (2.1 vs 2.7 per 1,000), a gap that persists despite the 8.1% monthly decline in overall crime rates. The daily crime count in October averaged 3 incidents per day — a figure that would be of practical interest to local residents and businesses, providing a tangible benchmark for assessing personal risk levels.

Comparing October 2023 to September, Thornton (Wyre)'s crime rate fell by 8.1% (from 5.2 to 4.8 per 1,000 residents), reflecting a sustained period of relative stability. Over the course of the month, the area experienced 90 crimes — equating to one reported incident for every 209 residents. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than the UK average for most categories, highlights the importance of localized context: the 3 crimes per day figure represents a manageable frequency for a community of 18,807 people. When viewed through the lens of population size, the area's crime profile suggests a combination of effective local policing and socio-economic factors that limit the prevalence of certain offences. The UK's overall average of 8.0 crimes per 1,000 residents serves as a stark contrast, emphasizing Thornton (Wyre)'s position as a comparatively low-risk area. However, the 300% increase in shoplifting and the doubling of burglary cases demonstrate that even in areas with generally lower crime rates, specific vulnerabilities can emerge, requiring targeted interventions to address seasonal or situational triggers.