Whittle-le-Woods Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Whittle-le-Woods, a built-up area within Chorley, reported a crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents in August 2025—a figure 66.7% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This marked improvement in safety, particularly in violent crime, aligns with the broader trend of lower crime rates observed in similar small communities. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.9% of reported crimes, a decrease of 22.2% compared to July, suggesting a possible reduction in tensions during the summer months. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common category, contributing 33.3% of total crimes, though it remained 38% below the UK average. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, may have influenced these patterns: while increased tourism could theoretically raise crime risk, the data shows no significant rise in theft or burglary. Instead, the low overall rate reinforces the area's status as a relatively safe environment, with the majority of incidents concentrated in categories such as anti-social behaviour, which often reflects localised disputes rather than broader criminal activity. This contrasts with larger urban centres, where property crime typically dominates. The absence of significant burglary reports despite the seasonal increase in empty homes—common during August—suggests that local measures, such as community engagement or informal surveillance, may be contributing to the area's low crime profile. However, the emergence of weapon possession as a category 122% above the UK average introduces a new concern, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in this specific area of criminal activity.

August 2025 marked a 22.2% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 9 to 7 incidents. This decline, though modest, contrasts with the 100% increase in possession of weapons, which rose from zero to one report. The shift in crime mix highlights a notable contrast: while violent crimes decreased, the emergence of weapon possession—a category 122% above the UK average—introduces a new concern. Anti-social behaviour remained the most common single category, contributing 33.3% of total crimes, though it remained 38% below the UK average. The rise in vehicle crime, also up 100% from zero to two reports, may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased traffic during the summer holidays. These fluctuations demonstrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns in a small built-up area where local rhythms and transient activity can influence reporting trends.

August 2025 saw a 5.5% increase in the crime rate compared to July, rising from 2.5 to 2.7 per 1,000 residents. This monthly aggregate translates to one reported crime for every 374 residents over the course of the month—a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents in relation to the local population. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in August, a consistent rhythm that aligns with the seasonal patterns of a small built-up area. While this rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, the slight upward trend may reflect the seasonal dynamics of a region where August marks the peak of holiday activity. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the increase, the likelihood of any individual encountering crime remains low, with the 2.7 rate placing the area well below the national benchmark. This contrast underscores the unique characteristics of Whittle-le-Woods as a relatively tranquil built-up area within a larger commuter-focused borough.