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 crime rate in the heart of the North West is as high as some reports claim.

Key Lancashire Crime Statistics

• Crime Rate: 38 per 1,000 people
• Most common crime: Violent and sexual offences
• Victim-based crimes account for 87% of all Lancashire crime
  • Violent crimes: 42%
  • Theft: 29%
  • Criminal damage and arson: 12%
• Safest places in Lancashire:
  • Aughton: 22 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Longton: 25 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Up Holland: 35 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Burscough: 48 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Barnoldswick: 52 crimes per 1,000 people

Lancashire Crime Rate

Recent Lancashire City Council statistics show that crime rates in the area fluctuate, rising in some years and falling in others.

Currently, crime in Lancashire is on the decline. From 2021 to 2022, there were over 138,000 crimes reported. However, in 2022 to 2023, crime dropped by an impressive 61%, with only 130,378 crimes recorded. This ongoing change in crime rates raises the question: what is the full extent of Lancashire crime like?

Additionally, the crime rate in Lancashire, according to Crimerate, is 83 crimes per 1,000 people. The county’s most common crimes are violence and sexual offences, which are reported by 38 for every 1,000 residents.

Lancashire Crime Statistics

In 2023, Lancashire City Council reported that victim-based crimes were the most common, making up 87% of all crimes in the area. These crimes included violence, theft, and criminal damage or arson.

Violent crimes accounted for over 42% of all crimes, theft for 29%, and criminal damage and arson for 12%.

Like many other regions, Lancashire experiences higher crime rates in urban areas with larger populations. To understand this trend better, we took a closer look at the crime rates in various towns and cities across the county.

Nelson Lancashire Crime

Nelson is one of the top 5 safest medium-sized towns in Lancashire. In 2023, it had an overall crime rate of 81 crimes per 1,000 people, just 0.56% higher than Lancashire’s average. When compared to the rest of the UK, Nelson is ranked as the 1,735th most dangerous location.

While Nelson faces various types of crime, violent and sexual offences are the most common. Last year, violent crimes has a rate of 39 per 1,000 people, with over 1,172 incidents reported. Below are the areas in Nelson with the highest crime rates:

Ward	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 2023, the town reported an overall crime rate of 100 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 24% higher than the county’s average. On a national scale, Preston ranks as the 1,042nd most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Preston. Last year, there were 5,925 reported incidents of violent crime, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year. Below are the areas in Preston where the highest number of crimes are reported.

Ward	Number of Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
St Matthew’s	1,585	147
Plungington	1,641	146
City Centre	4,254	132
Brookfield	794	132
Lea & Larches	647	119

Blackpool Crime

Blackpool is the most dangerous major town in Lancashire. In 2023, it had an overall crime rate of 151 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 87% higher than the Lancashire crime rate. On a national scale, Blackpool ranks as the 266th most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Blackpool. Last year, there were over 10,378 incidents of these crimes, with an average rate of 72 per 1,000 people. Below are the areas in Blackpool with the highest crime rates:

Ward	Number of Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
Claremont	2,788	444
Bloomfield	2,798	367
Talbot	3,579	279
Brunswick	1,233	183
Waterloo	1,183	174

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 2023, the town had an overall crime rate of 131 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 63% higher than the county’s average. Nationally, Burnley ranks as the 444th most dangerous location in the UK.

Violent and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Burnley. In 2023, there were 3,636 reported incidents of violent crime, with an average rate of 57 per 1,000 people. Below are the areas in Burnley with the highest crime rates:

Ward	Number of Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
Trinity	1,289	249
Bank Hall	1,046	176
Rosehill with Burnley Wood	867	171
Gannow	557	141
Daneshouse with Stoneyholme	1,840	128

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 2023, the town recorded an overall crime rate of 92 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 14% higher than the county’s average. On a national scale, Blackburn is ranked as the 1,283rd most dangerous area in the UK.

While Blackburn faces various types of crime, violent crime is the most prevalent. In 2023, there were 4,883 reported incidents of violent crime, a 10% decrease from the previous year, when 5,416 violent crimes were recorded. Below are the areas in Blackburn where the highest number of crimes were reported:

Ward	Number of Crimes	Crime Rate per 1,000
Ewood	1,211	181
Mill Hill & Moorgate	927	138
Blackburn Central	3,015	132
Blackburn South East	1,402	108
Wensley Fold	787	102

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	Crime Rate per 1,000
Aughton	126	22
Longton	155	25
Up Holland	343	35
Burscough	419	48
Barnoldswick	457	52

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.