Bolton-le-Sands Crime Rate

Bolton-le-Sands is one of the safest settlements in the region, boasting an impressive safety score of 90/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 39.5 per 1,000 people, which is remarkably lower than the UK national average of 91.6. Although the area has seen a 24.5% increase in crime year-over-year, this rise is from a very low baseline, and the settlement remains significantly more secure than the national norm. The property crime rate is particularly notable at just 10.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.2. This data indicates that Bolton-le-Sands is a highly desirable area for those prioritising safety and security. The following sections provide a deeper look into local crime patterns and safety advice.

Bolton-le-Sands maintains a low crime profile, with violence and sexual offences being the most recorded category at 44.8% (130 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.1% and a tie for third between other theft and criminal damage and arson, both at 6.5%.

Property crime in the area is exceptionally low, with a rate of just 10.2 per 1,000 residents. This is less than a third of the UK average property crime rate (32.2). Burglary and shoplifting each account for 4.1% of local crime, while vehicle crime is even lower at 3.5%. For residents, these figures indicate a very high level of security for homes and personal belongings. While the percentage of violence and sexual offences appears high, the actual number of incidents is low relative to the population, and the primary focus for local safety remains maintaining the area's excellent record against property theft and vandalism.

The crime trend in Bolton-le-Sands shows a 24.5% increase year-over-year. While this is a high percentage, it reflects a small numerical increase in a very low-crime area. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate remained very low throughout the first half of the year, fluctuating between 2.7 and 3.8 per 1,000. There was a noticeable rise in late summer and autumn, peaking at 4.4 in September and 4.2 in November. However, the year concluded with a sharp drop to 2.2 in December, the lowest rate of the entire year. This suggest that while there were periods of increased activity, the area's overall safety remains robust and is currently on a downward trend as of the end of 2025.

How To Keep Safe in Bolton-le-Sands

Violence and sexual offences are the most recorded crime category in Bolton-le-Sands, accounting for nearly 45% of incidents. While the overall number of cases is low, personal safety remains a priority. To stay safe:

1. Maintain awareness when walking in quieter areas of the village, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit routes such as the main A6 corridor when possible.
2. Ensure that your home's entry points are always secure. Even in very safe areas, "sneak-in" thefts can occur if doors or windows are left unlocked.
3. Be a good neighbour. In a close-knit community like Bolton-le-Sands, reporting suspicious vehicles or individuals to the police can prevent crimes before they happen.
4. If you use the canal towpath for exercise, try to do so during daylight hours or with a companion, and always carry a mobile phone.
5. Use timer switches for lights when your home is unoccupied in the evening to maintain the appearance of someone being home, which is a simple but effective deterrent.

Bolton-le-Sands exhibits specific crime timings that residents should be aware of. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the most active period for theft, representing 49% of such offences. During the night (12am-6am), the focus shifts significantly towards property, with vehicle crime accounting for 35% of incidents and burglary for 27%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and theft-based, the early morning hours present the highest risk for residential and vehicle security. Evening hours see a more varied mix, with burglary still featuring prominently at 23%. Morning hours are the least active, though theft still accounts for nearly half of the few incidents reported during this time.

In the local context, Bolton-le-Sands is a standout performer for safety. It is substantially more secure than the nearby urban hubs of Morecambe (146.2) and Lancaster (124.5). It also compares favourably to Halton, which has a higher crime rate of 54.6. Only the tiny rural community of Nether Kellet (0.0) offers a lower statistical crime rate in the immediate vicinity. For residents and prospective homeowners, Bolton-le-Sands represents a "sweet spot" in the region—offering the amenities of a larger built-up area while maintaining the safety profile of a much smaller, more secluded village. It is consistently one of the most secure residential options in the Lancaster local authority.

Bolton-le-Sands enjoys a property crime rate of 10.2 per 1,000, which is exceptionally low. However, the recent 24.5% increase in general crime highlights that even the safest areas can experience shifts in activity. For residents in such a secure area, the goal of home security is often about maintaining that peace of mind and protecting high-value assets from rare, opportunistic threats.

Traditional security systems are often reactive, only providing evidence after a theft has occurred. In a low-crime area like Bolton-le-Sands, the most effective approach is proactive prevention. The scOS AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats at your property boundary. By detecting an intruder before they reach your home, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like lighting and audio warnings. This immediate deterrence is often enough to make an opportunist move on instantly. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are infrequent, a visible and intelligent system like scOS ensures your property remains an unattractive target, preserving the high safety standards the community expects.