Higher Wheelton Crime Rate

Higher Wheelton is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 36.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. The area currently holds a high safety score of 91/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 19.4% decrease in reported incidents year-over-year. While the majority of reports are related to anti-social behaviour and violence, the data reveals a very specific pattern regarding property crime. While burglary is exceptionally rare, theft and vehicle crime follow distinct patterns throughout the day and night. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these statistics, temporal patterns, and advice for residents to maintain their safety in Higher Wheelton.

Crime Breakdown in Higher Wheelton

The crime profile of Higher Wheelton is led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 36.0% of all reported incidents (18 crimes), followed closely by violence and sexual offences at 34.0% (17 crimes). Other theft is the third most common category, representing 8.0% of the total (4 crimes). Other reported incidents include vehicle crime, criminal damage, and public order offences.

Property crime in Higher Wheelton—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—occurs at a rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents. The data reveals a very distinct temporal pattern for these offences. Theft is the primary property concern during the day, accounting for 60% of morning crimes and rising to 71% in the afternoon. However, as night falls, the risk shifts dramatically. During the night-time hours (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, representing 51% of all recorded crime in that period. Interestingly, burglary is non-existent in the data across all time periods. This suggests that while homes are relatively secure from break-ins, vehicles and personal property are the primary targets for criminals in Higher Wheelton.

Crime Trends in Higher Wheelton

The crime trend in Higher Wheelton is currently positive, with a 19.4% decrease in total reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This suggests that the area is becoming notably safer. Monthly data over the past year shows that crime rates fluctuate, with a peak of 5.8 crimes per 1,000 people in January 2025 and another high of 5.1 in March 2025. Conversely, several months like November and December 2024 saw rates as low as 1.5.

The data suggests that crime in Higher Wheelton is somewhat sporadic or incident-led, with no clear seasonal pattern. The reduction is primarily driven by a decrease in violence and anti-social behaviour, which is an encouraging sign for residents. However, the persistent presence of vehicle crime in the night-time statistics means residents should remain attentive to property security despite the zero burglary rate. The overall downward trend highlights the community's success in maintaining a safe environment.

How To Keep Safe in Higher Wheelton

The most prevalent crime type in Higher Wheelton is anti-social behaviour, but the most significant property-related threat is vehicle crime, especially during the night.

1. Prioritise Vehicle Security: Since 51% of night-time crime is vehicle-related, always park in a garage or a well-lit driveway. Use steering locks and ensure no valuables or bags are visible through the windows.
2. Install Motion Lighting: Bright, motion-activated lights on your driveway are a major deterrent for vehicle thieves who prefer to operate in the shadows.
3. Be Aware During Peak Theft Hours: Theft peaks in the afternoon (71% of crimes). When out in public or shopping nearby, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting incidents of ASB helps local authorities identify hotspots and prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious criminal activity.
5. Secure Your Perimeter: Even though burglary is low, maintaining clear boundaries and locked gates prevents opportunistic individuals from entering your property to scout for vehicles or other assets.

Crime Timing in Higher Wheelton

Higher Wheelton exhibits very distinct crime patterns based on the time of day. During the morning and afternoon, the area is primarily affected by theft, which accounts for 60% and 71% of crimes in those periods respectively. This is likely linked to the movement of people and commercial activity during the day. However, as the evening begins, the nature of crime shifts. Vehicle crime rises to 21% in the evening and becomes the dominant threat during the night (12am - 6am), where it accounts for a significant 51% of all recorded incidents. Interestingly, burglary is non-existent in the data across all time periods, suggesting that property crime in Higher Wheelton is almost exclusively focused on vehicles and opportunistic theft rather than residential break-ins. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also make up a large portion of the "other" category, peaking in the evening and night.

Higher Wheelton is situated in a relatively safe region of Chorley. Compared to the nearby settlement of Brinscall, which has a crime rate of 63.0 per 1,000 people, Higher Wheelton is significantly more secure. It is also safer than Withnell (40.9) and is very similar in profile to Whittle-le-Woods (37.9). For those seeking the absolute lowest crime levels, the nearby village of Wheelton recorded zero crimes in the same period. Higher Wheelton offers a high level of safety while remaining an active residential community.

Home Security in Higher Wheelton

In Higher Wheelton, where the safety score is a high 91/100, the primary property concern isn't the home itself, but what is parked outside. With vehicle crime accounting for 51% of all night-time offences, standard security measures often fall short. A Ring doorbell or a basic CCTV camera might capture video of someone walking up your driveway, but it rarely stops them from breaking into your car. These reactive systems only tell you what you’ve already lost.

scOS offers a proactive shift in home and vehicle protection. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and driveway simultaneously. It doesn't just record; it detects threats in real-time. If someone approaches your vehicle at 3am, scOS can autonomously activate perimeter lights or engage speakers to warn the intruder that they are being watched. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that vehicle thieves rely on. For Higher Wheelton residents, scOS provides the proactive deterrence needed to match the area's high safety standards, ensuring that your property—and your vehicles—stay secure.