Understanding Lancashire Crime Rates

Lancashire, located in the North West, is a historic county known for its rich history and food culture. However, like many places in the UK, it also grapples with its share of criminal activity. Join us as we take a closer look at whether the Lancashire Crime Statistics in the heart of the North West are as high as some reports claim.

Key Lancashire Crime Statistics

• Crime Rate: 71 crimes per 1,000 people
• Most common crime: Violence and sexual offences (35 per 1,000)
• Breakdown by crime type:
• Violence and sexual offences: 49% of all reported crimes
• Anti-social behaviour: 38% of all reported crimes
• Theft (including shoplifting, vehicle crime, burglary, other theft): 25% of all reported crimes
• Criminal damage and arson: 10% of all reported crimes

Safest places in Lancashire (based on Crime Risk Scores that account for crime severity):

• Criminal damage and arson: 10% of all reported crimes
• Longton: 37.9 crimes per 1,000 people
• Ormskirk: 56 crimes per 1,000 people

Other low-crime areas: Rates vary, but these consistently rank as the safest according to CrimeRate’s severity-weighted scoring system

Lancashire Crime Rate

Crime across Lancashire has continued to fall over recent years. Since the sharp rise seen in 2019, the county has slowly moved in a better direction. In the 12 months ending January 2026, police recorded 124,948 crimes across Lancashire. The year before, that figure stood at 126,412. While the drop is not huge, it still shows that some crime types are becoming less common in parts of the county.

Even so, crime remains a major concern for local people, businesses, and communities. Many still want a clearer picture of what daily life in Lancashire really looks like when it comes to safety.

According to CrimeRate, Lancashire now has a crime rate of 71 crimes per 1,000 people. Violence and sexual offences remain the most reported crimes in the county. Together, they account for around 35 offences per 1,000 residents.

Lancashire Crime Statistics

CrimeRate data shows Lancashire records around 71 crimes per 1,000 people. Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crimes in the county, making up 49% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a major problem and accounts for 38% of reports. Theft offences, including burglary, shoplifting, and vehicle crime, make up 25% of recorded crime. Criminal damage and arson stand at 10%.

Crime levels are often higher in busy towns with larger populations. Areas such as Blackpool, Accrington, and Nelson carry higher crime risk scores, while Longton, Aughton, and Ormskirk are seen as safer parts of Lancashire.

Nelson Lancashire Crime

Nelson is one of the top 5 safest medium-sized towns in Lancashire. In 2026, it had an overall crime rate of 71 crimes per 1,000 people, just 7% higher than Lancashire’s average. When compared to the rest of the UK, Nelson is ranked as the 1,142nd most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages.

While Nelson faces various types of crime, violent and sexual offences are the most common. Last year, violent crimes had a rate of 38 per 1,000 people, with over 1,481 incidents reported. Below are the areas in Nelson with the highest crime rates:

Area / Locality	Number of Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
Marsden & Southfield	784	108
Bradley	1,014	91
Whitefield & Walverden	748	82
Brierfield East & Clover Hill	482	80

Crime in Preston Lancashire

Preston is ranked as the third most dangerous major town in Lancashire. In 2026, the town reported an overall crime rate of 90 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 26% higher than the county’s average. On a national scale, Preston ranks as the 547th most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Preston. Last year, there were 5,977 reported incidents of violent crime, marking an 2% increase from the previous year. Below are the areas in Preston where the highest number of crimes are reported.

Ward	Number of Crimes (Annual)	Crime Rate per 1,000
1. City Centre	5,500+	419
2. St Matthew’s	1,700+	213
3. Plungington	1,400+	167
4. Ribbleton	1,300+	157

Blackpool Crime

Blackpool is the most dangerous major town in Lancashire. In 2026, it had an overall crime rate of 130 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 82% higher than the Lancashire crime rate. On a national scale, Blackpool ranks as the 233rd most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Blackpool. Last year, there were over 10,964 incidents of these crimes, with an average rate of 68 per 1,000 people. Below are the areas in Blackpool with the highest crime rates:

Ward	Estimated Annual Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
1. Talbot	4,000+	702
2. Claremont	2,800+	506
3. Bloomfield	2,700+	487
4. Clifton	1,500+	261

Blackpool Crime Rate

Blackpool’s crime rate is higher than that of many other UK cities, including major ones like Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield.

In comparison, Blackpool is more dangerous than these cities. Liverpool is 11% safer, Birmingham is 10% safer, and Leeds is 0.45% safer. Sheffield stands out with a crime rate that is 30% lower than Blackpool’s.

Burnley Crime

Burnley is ranked as the second most dangerous major town in Lancashire. In 2026, the town had an overall crime rate of 110 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 53% higher than the county’s average. Nationally, Burnley ranks as the 303rd most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Burnley. In 2026, there were 3,823 reported incidents of violent crime, with an average rate of 48 per 1,000 people. Below are the areas in Burnley with the highest crime rates:

Ward	Number of Crimes (Annual)	Crime Rate per 1,000
1. Bank Hall	1,750+	210
2. Daneshouse with Stoneyholme	1,400+	163
3. Trinity	1,050+	154
4. Queensgate	900+	138

Burnley Crime Rate

The crime rate in Burnley has been steadily increasing, making the area more dangerous over time. Compared to other major towns in the region, Burnley is 19% safer than Blackpool. However, it has a higher crime rate than Blackburn, which is 28% safer, and Preston, which is 18% safer.

Crime in Blackburn

Blackburn is ranked as the safest major town in Lancashire. In 2026, the town recorded an overall crime rate of 76 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 6% higher than the county’s average. On a national scale, Blackburn is ranked as the 1,135th most dangerous area in the UK.

While Blackburn faces various types of crime, violent crime is the most prevalent. In 2026, there were 5,157 reported incidents of violent crime, a 0.94% increase from the previous year. Below are the areas in Blackburn where the highest number of crimes were reported:

Ward	Estimated Annual Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
1. Blackburn Central	3,800+	313
2. Blackburn South East	1,200+	169
3. Darwen East	1,100+	164
4. Mill Hill & Moorgate	1,000+	162

The table above reveals a notable disparity in crime rates within Blackburn, with Central Blackburn experiencing at least twice as many crimes as other areas of the town. This higher crime rate is likely due to the concentration of businesses, pubs, and restaurants in the town centre, which can attract more criminal activity.

Where is the Safest Place to Live in Lancashire?

When choosing the safest places to live, it’s important to consider areas with the lowest crime rates. These locations are where individuals are least likely to fall victim to crime, offering a greater sense of safety and security.

Here are the areas in Lancashire with the fewest reported crimes:

Town/City	Number of Crimes (Annual)	Crime Rate per 1,000
Longton	161	15.6
Aughton	134	16.1
Up Holland	285	31.2
Ormskirk	1,060	37.5
Barnoldswick	478	41.5
Burscough	589	53.0

The Effect Lancashire Crime Has on Local Businesses

The crime rate in Lancashire significantly affects local businesses, influencing their costs, operations, and customer relationships. Here’s how:

• Fewer Customers: High crime rates may discourage customers from visiting, particularly at night. This impacts businesses that depend on foot traffic, like shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Employee Safety Concerns: Employees may feel unsafe travelling to or working in high-crime areas, making it harder to hire and retain staff. This can disrupt business operations.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Businesses in crime-prone areas often face higher insurance costs for property and inventory, adding to their expenses and reducing profits.
• Reduced Investment and Growth: A high-crime reputation can deter investors and limit economic growth. New businesses may avoid setting up in the area, and existing ones might hold off on expansion.
• Theft and Damage: Crimes like theft and vandalism directly impact businesses, causing losses and increasing repair or replacement costs.

What Private Security Can Do for Your Business

For business owners in Lancashire aiming to protect their assets, employees, and customers from crime, hiring professional security guard services is a highly effective solution. Security guards from private security companies provide comprehensive protection by patrolling premises, monitoring CCTV systems, and even conducting citizen’s arrests when needed. Their visible presence also acts as a strong deterrent, discouraging criminal activity before it happens.

Region Security Guarding offers customised security solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses. Our services include on-site security guards trained to prevent theft, vandalism, and other security incidents, as well as mobile patrols for larger properties or businesses with multiple locations.

To deliver the best results, we provide free consultations and risk assessments. Our security experts analyse your business’s vulnerabilities and recommend tailored strategies to minimise risks effectively.

Ensure a safe and secure environment for your employees and customers by working with our experienced security team. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Some Lancashire Areas Feel Less Safe At Night?

Busy streets, pubs, transport hubs, and empty late-night areas can make some places feel more unsafe after dark, especially in larger towns.

Is Anti-Social Behaviour A Big Issue In Lancashire?

Yes. Complaints about noise, vandalism, street disorder, and public nuisance are still common across many parts of the county.

Are Smaller Lancashire Towns Usually Safer?

In many cases, yes. Smaller towns and villages often see fewer reported crimes because they have quieter streets and lower footfall.

What Type Of Crime Affects Lancashire Businesses Most?

Retail theft, break-ins, criminal damage, and shoplifting are common concerns for businesses, especially in busy commercial areas.

Why Do Crime Levels Change Each Year?

Crime patterns often shift due to policing, local investment, population changes, and economic pressure. Some offences fall while others rise.