Whittle-le-Woods Crime Rate

Whittle-le-Woods is an exceptionally secure village with a superior safety score of 91/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate in Whittle-le-Woods is 37.9 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. However, the area is experiencing an increasing trend, with a 9.4% rise in year-over-year crime figures. While violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour are the most common reports, property-related crime—particularly vehicle crime—is a notable factor in the local landscape. Interestingly, Whittle-le-Woods's property crime rate of 8.5 is much lower than the UK average, suggesting that homes and vehicles are relatively secure. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these patterns and offers practical advice for residents to maintain their security in this Lancashire community.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Whittle-le-Woods, accounting for 38.8% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 29.8% and vehicle crime at 12.6%. When examining property-related crime collectively—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and bicycle theft—the combined rate is 8.5 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is a particularly significant factor in this category, representing over 12% of total crime, which is notably higher than the burglary rate of 0.8%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate that while personal safety and public order are the primary focus of local reporting, property security—especially regarding vehicles—is a key component of the local safety landscape. Ensuring that vehicles are stored securely and that homes are protected against opportunistic theft is essential for maintaining the village's security.

Whittle-le-Woods is currently experiencing an increasing trend in criminal activity, with a 9.4% rise in year-over-year reports. Analysis of the monthly trend data for 2025 shows that the crime rate reached its highest point in August at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, followed by 4.9 in October. These figures were notably higher than the low of 1.3 recorded in December 2024. The earlier part of the year saw more consistent activity, with rates often between 1.5 and 4.8. This general upward movement, despite some fluctuations, suggests that the village is facing a slightly more active security environment than in previous years. Residents can feel confident in the area's ongoing safety, though the slight peaks in the summer months suggest that increased awareness during these periods is still beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Whittle-le-Woods

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Whittle-le-Woods, accounting for nearly 39% of local incidents. To enhance personal safety, residents should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking alone during the evening. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts. Using personal safety apps that share your live location with trusted contacts can provide an extra layer of security. To address vehicle crime—the most significant property-related issue in the village—ensure that cars are always locked and parked in a garage or behind secure gates, especially at night when a massive 76% of these crimes occur. Avoid leaving valuables on display inside your vehicle. Additionally, because theft peaks during the afternoon, ensure that all windows and doors are always locked, especially when you are away from home. By remaining vigilant and working together as a community, Whittle-le-Woods residents can help maintain the village's high safety standards and counter the recent increase in local crime.

Crime in Whittle-le-Woods follows distinct temporal patterns that correlate with the type of offence. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prevalent issue, peaking significantly between 12pm and 6pm when 67% of all theft-related incidents occur. As the day transitions into evening, there is a shift toward public order and anti-social behaviour. However, the most striking pattern occurs at night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for a massive 76% of its total volume. Burglary and other property crimes also remain a risk during this window. This suggests that while daytime crime is heavily focused on opportunistic retail and personal theft, the hours of darkness pose a severe and specific risk to vehicles. Resident vigilance and security measures should be prioritised during the late-night period to counter this highly concentrated risk.

Whittle-le-Woods is situated in a safe regional cluster of Lancashire. It is notably safer than nearby Chorley, which has a crime rate of 103.2 per 1,000 residents, and Euxton (51.8). While smaller neighbouring settlements like Wheelton recorded a lower crime rate of 0.0, Whittle-le-Woods remains an exceptionally safe choice for a village that provides a full range of local services and a strong community feel. When compared to the broader UK landscape, Whittle-le-Woods's rate of 37.9 is notably low, making it a premier location for those seeking a peaceful, low-risk environment with a strong safety profile compared to broader national norms.

With a property crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents, Whittle-le-Woods homeowners face a relatively low risk, yet the high concentration of vehicle crime (12.6% of total reports) necessitates a serious approach to security. Notably, a massive 76% of vehicle crime in Whittle-le-Woods occurs at night, highlighting a critical window of vulnerability for car owners. Traditional reactive security measures, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. Proactive protection is a more effective strategy for maintaining the safety of your home and vehicles. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime rather than just record it. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door or driveway. It can verify vehicles using DVLA data and distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating lights or audio alerts—scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on, effectively deterring them and ensuring your Whittle-le-Woods home remains secure.