Whittle-le-Woods Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Whittle-le-Woods maintained a safer profile in August 2024, with a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents — 56.1% below the UK average of 8.2. This marks one of the lowest rates recorded in recent months for the area, reflecting a consistent trend of reduced criminal activity relative to national benchmarks. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences (33.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (25.0%) and other theft (16.7%). These patterns align with the area's character as a relatively small, built-up community within Chorley, where low population density and limited commercial activity may contribute to lower overall crime levels. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role: August, a peak holiday month, often sees fluctuations in crime due to transient populations and increased tourism. However, the data suggests that local efforts — potentially including community policing or seasonal crime prevention initiatives — have helped mitigate risks typically associated with such periods. The relatively low incidence of property crime (8 cases, 33.3% of total) further supports the notion of a stable, low-risk environment, though this may also reflect the area's limited retail or industrial presence compared to larger urban centres. The breakdown highlights a balanced distribution of violent and property crimes, with no single category dominating the overall picture. This suggests a diverse range of local challenges, though all remain well below UK averages. The absence of significant spikes in theft or burglary, despite August's seasonal dynamics, reinforces the area's comparative safety. These findings underscore the importance of sustained local strategies in maintaining security, even during months of heightened visitor activity.

August 2024 saw three notable increases in crime categories: other theft, other crime, and robbery each rose by 100% compared to July, reflecting a shift in the crime mix. Other theft — which includes incidents like unsecured vehicle theft or theft from vehicles — surged from zero to four cases, a significant jump that may be linked to seasonal patterns, such as increased car usage during holidays. Similarly, robbery — previously absent — now accounts for 4.2% of total crimes, a development that could indicate heightened vulnerability in specific locations, such as isolated roads or poorly lit areas. In contrast, anti-social behaviour decreased by 14.3% (from seven to six cases), due to fewer residents present during August, a common trend in areas with seasonal population shifts. The violence and sexual offences category, while remaining the most common crime type, was 55% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), suggesting that local efforts to address violence have had a measurable impact. Anti-social behaviour also performed strongly, with its rate 37% below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000). These comparative figures highlight Whittle-le-Woods' performance in key categories, offering residents a clear benchmark against national standards. The increase in 'other crime' — which includes unclassified incidents — may warrant closer attention, though its exact nature remains unspecified in the data.

Whittle-le-Woods' crime rate in August 2024 (3.6 per 1,000) marked a 14.4% increase compared to July's 3.1 per 1,000. This rise, while modest, contrasts with the area's generally low crime profile, which has historically remained well below UK averages. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance during months of increased visitor activity. When scaled to the population of 6,732 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 281 residents — a statistic that, while not alarming in isolation, provides context for local planning and resource allocation. This monthly rate is particularly significant when compared to the UK average, where residents face roughly one crime for every 123 residents. The population-scaled perspective highlights Whittle-le-Woods' relative safety. month-on-month increase suggests that local conditions — such as seasonal shifts or temporary disruptions — may have temporarily influenced crime dynamics. For residents, this means that while the area remains significantly safer than national averages, vigilance during peak holiday periods remains important. The combination of low overall rates and manageable monthly exposure indicates that the community's existing crime prevention measures are effective, but the slight upward trend in August serves as a reminder that sustained efforts are necessary to maintain this level of safety.