Waddington (Ribble Valley) Crime Rate

Waddington (Ribble Valley) is one of the safest areas in the United Kingdom, boasting an impressively low crime rate of 22.5 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an elite safety score of 95/100. Furthermore, the safety situation is improving, with a significant 18.6% decrease in crime over the last year. This downward trend, combined with a property crime rate of only 7.7 per 1,000 residents, makes Waddington an exceptionally secure place to live. While no area is entirely without incident, the data suggests that Waddington remains a peaceful and stable community. The following sections provide a deeper look into the specific crime types and trends within the village.

Crime Breakdown in Waddington (Ribble Valley)

In Waddington, the most frequently reported crime is anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 34.3% of all incidents, at a rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by violence and sexual offences at 25.7% and criminal damage and arson at 11.4%. These figures reflect a low-crime environment where many reports are related to community disturbances rather than serious violent crime.

Property-related crime in Waddington is notably low, with a combined rate of 7.7 per 1,000 people. Within this category, burglary and vehicle crime each represent 8.6% of the total crime volume, while other theft accounts for 2.9%. For residents, this means that while the overall risk is very low, there is a specific need to be mindful of property security. Interestingly, the data shows that burglary reports are most frequent during the afternoon, which contrasts with the common perception that such crimes only occur at night. Homeowners should ensure that their properties appear occupied during the day and that all entry points are secure. The low property crime rate is a testament to the area's safety, but the presence of vehicle crime and burglary, however small, suggests that opportunistic criminals do occasionally target the village.

Crime Trends in Waddington (Ribble Valley)

Waddington is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with total reports decreasing by 18.6% year-over-year. This is a very positive indicator for the community, suggesting that the area is becoming even safer over time. The monthly trend data shows a remarkably stable environment, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents staying between 0.6 and 2.6 throughout the entire year.

Peaks of 2.6 were seen in months such as November 2024, February, April, July, August, and October 2025. Even at these "peak" times, the crime rate remains incredibly low compared to national averages. The lowest points, such as December 2024 and March and June 2025, saw the rate drop to just 0.6. For residents, these trends provide confidence in the long-term safety of the village. The lack of major spikes suggests that there are no significant seasonal crime waves, and the overall trajectory points toward Waddington maintaining its status as one of the safest places to live in the region.

How To Keep Safe in Waddington (Ribble Valley)

The most common issue in Waddington is anti-social behaviour. While this usually involves minor disturbances, it can affect the quality of life for residents.

• Secure Your Property During the Day: Since 30% of burglaries in Waddington happen in the afternoon, always lock your doors and windows when you are in the back garden or away for a short time.
• Report ASB Promptly: Reporting anti-social behaviour to the local council or police helps them identify hotspots and deploy resources more effectively.
• Vehicle Security: With 50% of vehicle crimes occurring at night, ensure your car is locked, the alarm is set, and no valuables are left on display. Use a garage if you have one.
• Join a Community Watch: Waddington's low crime rate is often maintained by an active community. Participating in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme helps keep everyone informed.
• Install Visible Deterrents: Even in a safe area, visible security like smart lighting or a professional camera system can discourage opportunistic "pass-through" crime.

Crime Timing in Waddington (Ribble Valley)

Crime patterns in Waddington show specific trends that differ from many urban areas. During the morning and evening, the majority of reports fall into the 'other' category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Interestingly, the afternoon (12 pm - 6 pm) is the peak time for burglary, accounting for 30% of incidents in that period. This suggests that burglars may be targeting homes while residents are out at work or running errands.

In the night-time hours (12 am - 6 am), vehicle crime becomes the most significant concern, making up 50% of all reported incidents during this window. Burglary also remains a factor at night (21%). These insights highlight that while Waddington is very safe overall, the risks are specific: daytime burglary and night-time vehicle crime. Residents can use this information to tailor their security habits, such as ensuring high-quality daytime lock-up procedures and secure overnight parking.

Waddington stands out as a particularly safe haven within the Ribble Valley. When compared to Clitheroe, which has a crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000, Waddington's rate of 22.5 is significantly lower. It also compares favourably to Chatburn (57.9) and Grindleton (40.3). While the very small neighbouring area of West Bradford shows a 0.0 crime rate (likely due to its tiny population), Waddington remains one of the most secure established villages in the region. For anyone looking for a residence in Lancashire, Waddington offers a safety profile that is not only superior to the local average but also vastly better than the national UK average. It represents the quintessential low-crime rural settlement.

Despite Waddington's excellent safety score, the property crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 people indicates that the area is not immune to theft and burglary. In such a safe area, residents can sometimes become complacent, which opportunistic criminals may exploit. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are common, but they primarily serve as recording devices—capturing footage of a crime while it is happening or after the fact.

To truly maintain the high safety standards of Waddington, a proactive approach is required. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime rather than just record it. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect a person at your property boundary and determine if they are a threat. Because 30% of burglaries in Waddington occur in the afternoon, having a system that never blinks and can autonomously engage a potential intruder with lights or sound provides a critical layer of deterrence. This professional-grade AI protection ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging intruders to move on before they even attempt a break-in.