Nestled in the North West of England, Lancashire is a country rich in history, offering a blend of vibrant urban centres and scenic rural landscapes. With a population of over one million, it has earned a reputation as a safe place to live, supported by surveys indicating that 87% of residents feel secure in their communities.
However, this positive image is contradicted by reports highlighting serious issues in certain towns within the county. These areas have been identified as among the most dangerous in the UK, struggling with high crime rates, drug problems, and severe deprivation. Such findings cast doubt on Lancashire’s broader reputation for safety. So, what is the real story behind crime in Lancashire?
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Is Lancashire a Good Area?
Recent data from Crimerate highlights that Lancashire is generally a safe county. As of September 2024, the county recorded a crime rate of 83 incidents per 1,000 people. The most frequently reported crimes during this period were violence and sexual offences, with an estimated rate of 38 incidents per 1,000 residents.
While Lancashire’s overall crime rate is relatively low compared to most other regions in the UK, it’s still wise to remain cautious when travelling within the area. Like any other county, Lancashire has some areas with higher concentrations of crime, even though the general crime rate suggests a safer environment.
The Most Dangerous Areas in Lancashire
To better understand crime levels in Lancashire, we have identified the areas with the highest crime rates in the county.
| Town/City | Crime Count | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bacup | 1,377 | 179 |
| Blackpool | 21,659 | 151 |
| Accrington | 4,231 | 142 |
| Oswaldtwistle | 997 | 140 |
| Burnley | 8,478 | 133 |
| Padiham | 1,093 | 122 |
| Fleetwood | 2,899 | 119 |
| Clayton-le-Moors | 669 | 114 |
| Rawtenstall | 1,600 | 111 |
| Morecambe | 3,460 | 108 |
The data shows that Bacup is the most dangerous town in Lancashire, despite reporting only 1,377 crimes. This high ranking is largely due to its smaller population, which significantly inflates the crime rate.
A Breakdown of Common Crimes in Lancashire
The statistics show that Lancashire experiences relatively low level of crime. However, it’s not just the number of crimes that matters, but the type of crimes being committed.
By understanding which crimes cause the most harm, we can better assess how dangerous an area truly is. Comparing areas based on crime rates alone may lead to different conclusions once the nature of the crimes is considered.
A report by Crimerate highlights the types of crimes recorded in Lancashire.
| Crime | Crime Count | Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Violence and Sexual Offences | 58,690 | 38.33 |
| Anti-Social Behaviour | 50,737 | 33.14 |
| Criminal Damage and Arson | 13,459 | 8.79 |
| Other Theft | 10,474 | 6.84 |
| Shoplifting | 10,313 | 6.74 |
| Vehicle Crime | 7,819 | 5.11 |
| Public Order | 7,818 | 5.11 |
| Burglary | 6,970 | 4.55 |
| Other Crime | 3,647 | 2.38 |
| Drugs | 3,368 | 2.20 |
| Possession of Weapons | 1,667 | 1.09 |
| Robbery | 1,252 | 0.82 |
| Bicycle Theft | 1,051 | 0.69 |
| Theft from the Person | 713 | 0.47 |
Violence and sexual offences are some of the most common crimes in Lancashire, with anti-social behaviour also being a frequent issue. For this reason, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
So, What Are the Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas in Lancashire?
Lancashire is generally considered one of the safer counties in the UK, with an average crime rate. However, some towns and cities within the county report higher crime rates, while others experience much lower levels. As with any region, certain areas of Lancashire are more dangerous than others, so it’s always important to take precautions to stay safe.
To protect your business and employees from crime, investing in security measures is crucial. Hiring a professional security company is an effective way to minimise the risk of criminal activity. Our services include deploying security guards to deter criminals and monitoring your property through CCTV. We can also assess your current security practices and provide advice on how to improve overall safety.
For the latest updates on Lancashire and the North West region, explore our recent articles, such as the Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester and Is Liverpool Safer Than Manchester?
If you want more security tips, visit our Region Security Guarding YouTube channel for the latest advice.
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