Wherever we choose to live, there are often a range of different factors that form the crux of that decision. From close proximity to schools and local amenities, through to eco-friendly initiatives and greener living, there’s a reason why moving is often viewed as one of the most stressful and much-considered life events.
One of the most pivotal considerations, though, is crime rate. With many areas across the UK facing an uphill battle against criminal activity, it’s becoming a much more pressing concern, and homeowners and visitors alike are concerned.
That’s something we’ve long understood here at Churchill Support Services, and we’re firm believers that transparency and robust reporting are the ideal way forward. We’ve already made substantial headway in that, with pioneering reports on crime across England and Wales, as well as a deep dive into burglary statistics across the UK.
With our latest piece, we’re turning our lens closer to our doorstep, and exploring the most dangerous areas of our home county of Lancashire. We’ll explore the key crime hotspots for the county, the soaring rates of crime that earn them their spot, and what that might mean for anyone looking to pay a visit or settle down.
One of England’s most diverse counties, stretching from rugged coastline to glittering city centres, Lancashire epitomises the hard-working, industrious nature of northern England. A rich heritage in mining and manufacturing has given way to thoroughly modernised conurbations, university cities and quaint villages.
That’s all in addition to the rolling hills, valleys and scenic vistas which truly characterise the landscape that draws tourists, homeowners and businesses to Lancashire in equal measure. There’s a sour note, however, in the criminal activity the county witnesses, with the latest period of data pointing towards an overarching crime rate of 82.9 crimes per 1,000 people.
A deeper dive into Lancashire’s total crimes (133,786 offences) reveals more concerning conclusions. Violent crimes (54,090 offences) make up the lion’s share of those incidents, accounting 2 in every 5 crimes that occur across the county.
That comes in addition to equally concerning figures in theft (38,333 incidents), criminal damage (14,776 incidents) and public order offences (7,887 incidents), all of which are at startlingly high levels when compared to other regions across the North West, and the UK as a whole.
Of course, that’s not to say that every area of the county faces the same issues. Let’s explore the most dangerous areas of Lancashire, what they mean for residents, and the key statistics you need to know to make an informed, safe decision.
With more than 1.5 million people calling the county their home, the most dangerous areas of Lancashire are naturally going to stand out. We’ll count those down, alongside key statistics you’ll need to know.
Perched at the periphery of the larger city of Preston, Lea & Cottam are one of the region’s leafier suburbs, but aren’t free from the area’s overarching crime rate. With high rates of violent crime (234 offences), antisocial behaviour (163 offences) and criminal damage (46 offences), and 84.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, there’s causes for concern across Cottam.
One of Lancashire’s most recognisable seaside towns, and a more sedate alternative to noisy neighbour Blackpool, Lytham’s crime rate of 85.8 crimes per 1,000 residents belies its laidback reputation. Rising figures across antisocial behaviour (659 offences), violent crime (613 offences) and vehicle crime (94 offences) all contribute towards changing perceptions of the town.
One of Preston’s greener areas, and a major part of the military in the North West with its famous barracks, that discipline hasn’t fed through to all walks of life, with the region’s crime rate of 88.1 crimes per 1,000 residents painting an entirely different picture. High rates of violent crime (963 incidents), antisocial behaviour (955 incidents) and vehicle crime (175 incidents) all factor in to the concerns for Fulwood locals.
A pioneer in its automotive contributions, and now a major residential hub in its own right, Leyland’s crime rate of 88.5 crimes per 1,000 residents is no doubt a shock to many. But with rates of violent crime (1,130 offences), antisocial behaviour (994 offences), and shoplifting (199 offences) all remaining consistently high, there’s much to be concerned about.
Often mistake for part of Merseyside, Ormskirk’s farmland surroundings and secluded area don’t preclude it from a worrying crime rate of 90.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. A deeper dive reveals high figures across many of Lancashire’s major issues, including antisocial behaviour (523 incidents), violent crime (511 incidents), and shoplifting (83 incidents).
Famed for its place in Lancashire’s proud agricultural heritage, and home to an annual show dedicated to the pursuit, Great Harwood’s overall crime rate of 94.2 crimes per 1,000 residents offers a darker side to life in the quaint town. Violent crimes (362 offences), antisocial behaviour (284 offences) and vehicle crimes (83 offences) are all regular concerns for townsfolk.
Nestled between the larger towns of both Burnley and Nelson, Brierfield and the neighbouring village of Reedley share their bigger neighbours’ concerns when it comes to criminality. That’s largely down to the overall crime rate of 95 crimes per 1,000 residents, and concerning figures in violent crime (374 offences), antisocial behaviour (297 offences) and criminal damage (89 offences).
A former cotton milling town that’s been the subject of much regeneration in recent years, it’s perhaps disheartening to see Kirkham feature among Lancashire’s most dangerous areas. But with an overall crime rate of 95.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, and startling numbers in antisocial behaviour (260 incidents), violent offences (243 incidents) and criminal damage (69 incidents), Kirkham’s reinvention still has some way to go.
Predominantly rural, and set in a sweeping valley of the same name, Whitworth’s idyllic locale is undercut by its less-than-ideal crime rate of 101.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Antisocial behaviour (323 offences) accounts for almost 41% of all crime in the region, with violent crimes (210 offences), criminal damage (80 offences) and vehicle crimes (42 offences) all following closely behind.
Instrumental in Lancashire’s role as part of the Industrial Revolution, Nelson’s industrious roots have faded to give way to a concerning crime rate of 108.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent and sexual crimes (1,271 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (1,123 incidents) are by far the most pressing concerns, accounting almost two thirds of all crime in Nelson.
Located at the outskirts of both Accrington and Blackburn, the small town of Rishton acts as a feeder for the two larger areas, but brings with it an equally worrying crime rate, which sits at 114.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. There’s concerns surrounding the figures in violent crime (281 offences), antisocial behaviour (208 offences) and criminal damage (65 offences).
A built-up residential area with a distinct sense of local pride and unique identity, Bamber Bridge and the neighbouring Walton-le-Dale may be a shock for some to see so highly among Lancashire’s most dangerous towns. At 115.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, there’s mounting concerns surrounding figures in antisocial behaviour (668 offences), violent crime (560 offences), and criminal damage (177 offences).
One of the UK’s youngest cities, and a rapidly expanding economic hub for the whole of the county, seeing Preston rank so highly among the most dangerous areas in Lancashire is slightly disconcerting for visitors and homeowners alike. A deeper dive uncovers exactly why though, with the headline statistic being the city’s overall crime rate of 124.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
That’s further reinforced by startling statistics across some of Lancashire’s most prevalent issues, including antisocial behaviour (2,810 offences), violent crime (2,456 offences) and shoplifting (963 offences). Preston also has one of Lancashire’s highest rates of drug crime (237 offences) – roughly equalling 1 drug offence every 37 hours.
One of the North’s biggest holidaymaking hotspots, Morecambe is synonymous with sandy coastlines and, much less appealing, a crime rate that’s seen significant rises to its most recent rate of 125.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. There’s several factors that make up those staggering increases, but the most notable are the figures in violent crime (1,387 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1,350 incidents) and criminal damage (485 incidents).
A hidden gem of the county, it’ll no doubt come as a surprise to see the rural town of Oswaldtwistle earn a spot among the most dangerous places in Lancashire. But with an overall crime rate of 127.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, and concerning figures across violent crime (482 offences), antisocial behaviour (342 offences) and vehicle crimes (117 offences), it’s clear to see why Oswaldtwistle secures its place.
So named for the river that flows throughout the town, the market town of Darwen (often twinned with nearby Blackburn) is, despite a rich history, among the 10 most dangerous areas across Lancashire. High figures across violent crime (1,249 offences), antisocial behaviour (1,020 offences) and criminal damage (485 offences) all contribute towards the town’s overall crime rate of 129.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
From its history in Premier League football through to its strong links to industry and manufacturing, Burnley’s crime rate of 129.9 crimes per 1,000 residents offers a sinister undercurrent to what is one of the North West’s largest hotspots. Violet crime (4,161 offences), theft (3,334 offences) and criminal damage (1,305 offences) are just the headline statistics across the region.
Often viewed as the heart of the borough of Pendle, and resting in the shadow of the iconic Pendle Hill, Colne’s overall crime rate of 135.4 crimes per 1,000 residents will no doubt come as a surprise. However, with mounting concerns around the rates of violent crime (858 offences), antisocial behaviour (721 offences) and shoplifting (192 offences), there’s much to be done.
Often grouped together with the neighbouring Accrington, Clayton le Moors and nearby Altham share the keen sense of local identity alongside a similarly high crime rate, which currently sits at 137.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. A closer inspection reveals startlingly high figures across violent crime (405 incidents), antisocial behaviour (292 incidents) and criminal damage (104 incidents).
With sweeping views across the North Sea, and renowned as one of Lancashire’s most infamous seaside destinations, Fleetwood’s shocking crime rate of 138 crimes per 1,000 residents may cause some to take off the rose-tinted glasses. Violent crimes (1,135 offences) are the most prevalent issue, with antisocial behaviour (1,069 offences) and shoplifting (263 offences) also causing concern.
Rich in both history and culture, the industrial town of Blackburn has seen substantial investment over the past 65 years. While that’s meant greater opportunities across the spectrum, the town’s crime rate has only continued its rise, reaching 139.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Violent crime (5,777 incidents) accounts for nearly 42% of all crimes across the region, making it the most prevalent issue facing Blackburn’s residents. That’s followed by equally concerning figures in theft (4,386 incidents), criminal damage (1,419 incidents) and vehicle offences (1,063 incidents).
A glittering seaside gem on Lancashire’s coastline, there’s little to be said about Blackpool (affectionately called “The Las Vegas of the North”) that’s not already been shouted from the rafters. What’s less discussed, however, is the town’s shocking issues with crime, the headline statistic of which is the overall crime rate of 139.2 crimes per 1,000 residents.
There’s several key statistics that contribute towards that startling figure, with violent crimes (6,530 offences) and antisocial behaviour (5,665 offences) accounting for a staggering 62% of all crimes across Blackpool. There’s also mounting concerns around the figures we’ve seen in both criminal damage (1,439 offences) and shoplifting (1,451 offences).
Juxtaposing a built-up, bustling town centre against a backdrop of verdant countryside, it’s easy to think the town of Bacup might have a reputation to match its beautiful surroundings. But with an overall crime rate of 139.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, and soaring figures across antisocial behaviour (693 offences), violent crime (647 offences) and criminal damage (200 offences), Bacup earns a top spot among the most dangerous areas in Lancashire.
Lodged in the foothills of Pendle Hill, and part of the Burnley borough, Padiham’s quaint surroundings are a world away from its alarming crime rate of 149 offences per 1,000 residents. Soaring figures across violent crime (548 incidents), antisocial behaviour (474 incidents) and criminal damage (127 incidents) all spark concern for Padiham locals.
Officially the most dangerous area of Lancashire, and infamous for its place in sporting heritage across the UK, Accrington’s issues with crime have long been well-documented, with the latest crime rate reaching an eye-watering 180.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Astronomical figures in violent crime (2,017 offences), antisocial behaviour (1,754 offences) and criminal damage (479 offences) complete a less-than-ideal picture.
While there’s no doubt dangerous areas across the Lancashire areas, the county itself has issues all its own, best exemplified by the trends we’ve seen emerge over the last year or so. Chief among these is the rate of shoplifting, which shot up by 28% – 10,350 offences in 2023, up from 8,074 offences over the course of 2022.
Weapon possession rose by a concerning 13% (1,745 incidents, up from 1,538 in 2022), while drug offences climbed by 12% (2,862 incidents, up from 2,553 in 2022) and instances of robbery increased by 11% (1,132 incidents, up from 1,017 in 2022).
There’s a glimmer of hope, however. The overall number of crimes fell by around 4%, falling from 133,786 offences in 2022, down to 128,605 offences in 2023. That wasn’t the only substantial dip, either, with public order offences falling by a notable 18% – 7,887 offences in 2023, down from 9,663 offences.
There were also substantial decreases in criminal damage (down by 8%, from 16,136 offences in 2022 to 14,776 offences in 2023), violent crime (down by 6%, from 57,519 offences in 2022 to 54,090 offences in 2023), and sexual offences (down by 4%, from 5,040 offences in 2022 to 4,837 offences in 2023).
There’s naturally still work to be done, of course, but the signs for crime across the county, and indeed across the most dangerous areas of Lancashire, are positive on the whole.
One of the more pressing concerns nationwide, weapon crimes in Lancashire are always going to be in the public consciousness. That’s especially true given the startling statistics uncovered over the last year, with all types of weapon offences rising substantially.
Gun crimes alone rose by a shocking 13%, from 127 offences in 2022 to a worrying 143 offences over the course of 2023. Knife crimes rose by a slightly higher 14%, seeing the total number of incidents go from 963 offences in 2022, to 1,097 offences in 2023.
Those rises are far above the national averages for knife crime, and represent a key concern for Lancashire’s residents, placing the county 17th among the areas worst affected by knife crime across the UK.
With every crime article we publish, we strive to be as objective and clear as possible in all of the data we collect. With that in mind, we source all of our figures from the official Police UK website, and coupled these with official data from the Office of National Statistics on population and area size.
We’ll then represent the amount of crime in any given area as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1,000 residents, as this not only allows us to take into account those key variables like population, but to ensure that all of our data is easily digestible and understandable for all.
While we’ve represented what are statistically the most dangerous areas of Lancashire, we know that those stats often only tell half the story. For some, feeling safe can be difficult, especially if their area is negatively impacted by rising crime rates.
Below, we’ve listed out just a few of Lancashire’s larger areas, so you can see where your area (or nearby areas) rank compared with our list above.
