St. Helens Crime Rate

St. Helens is a significant metropolitan borough with an overall crime rate of 95.7 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.6. The area currently holds a safety score of 77/100, placing it just below the national average of 79/100. Data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows a stable security environment, with a minor -1.1% change in total reported crimes compared to the previous year. As a major commercial and industrial hub, the borough naturally sees higher concentrations of activity than its more rural neighbours. However, the stable trend indicates that safety levels are being maintained. This overview provides a detailed look at the crime statistics and security trends across St. Helens to help residents and businesses understand their local environment.

About St. Helens

St. Helens is a significant metropolitan borough in Merseyside, historically known for its glass and coal industries. Today, it is a diverse area with a mix of dense urban centres, industrial zones, and suburban residential neighbourhoods. The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a regional commercial hub and its location between the major cities of Liverpool and Manchester. The presence of major transport links, including the M6 and M62, contributes to a more transient population, which can influence certain crime types. Economic factors, including ongoing regeneration efforts, also play a role in the local safety landscape. While the borough's overall crime rate is slightly above the national average, many of its residential areas maintain a high degree of stability. St. Helens' safety score of 77/100 reflects a borough that is actively managing urban challenges while providing a secure environment for its nearly 190,000 residents.

Crime Breakdown in St. Helens

In St. Helens, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 42.1% of all reports with 7,617 incidents. Public order offences (9.8%) and anti-social behaviour (9.2%) follow as the next most significant categories. The overall property crime rate for the borough—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 26.9 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (8.4%) and shoplifting (6.7%) are the most prominent. Burglary remains relatively low at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, accounting for 3.0% of total crime. For homeowners, the data suggests that while serious property intrusion is less common than in many other metropolitan districts, opportunistic theft and criminal damage are the primary risks to address. Ensuring that properties and vehicles are secure is a key priority for maintaining local safety.

The crime trend in St. Helens is currently classified as stable, showing a minor year-over-year change of -1.1%. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate started at 7.1 in January and reached its highest point of 8.6 in August and October. This seasonal peak is a common pattern as the weather improves and outdoor activity increases. Throughout the summer and autumn, the rate remained fairly stable, fluctuating between 8.2 and 8.6. The year ended with a rate of 7.2 in December. This overall stability is a strong indicator of a consistent security environment in the borough, suggesting that while there are seasonal variations, the general volume of crime is being successfully managed and remains consistent for the local population.

St. Helens is a key part of the Liverpool City Region, situated between major urban centres. When compared to nearby areas like Knowsley, Wigan, Warrington, Halton, Liverpool, and Sefton, St. Helens' reported crime rate of 95.7 per 1,000 is higher than the 0.0 rates listed for these neighbours in the current dataset. It is important to note that 0.0 figures often indicate differences in how data is reported or aggregated for those specific periods. In a broader regional context, St. Helens' rate is typical for a major industrial and commercial borough. This makes it a preferred location for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a stable residential environment, offering a safety profile that compares favourably with many other major northern towns.

Securing a home in St. Helens requires a modern approach that prioritises prevention over mere recording. With a property crime rate of 26.9 per 1,000 people, residents should look beyond traditional CCTV, which often only provides footage of an incident after it has occurred. Instead, professional-grade systems like scOS offer a preventative approach. By using AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before a break-in happens. This autonomous response—activating lights or speakers when an intruder is detected—removes the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where criminal damage and vehicle crime are notable factors, having a system that distinguishes between a delivery driver and a genuine threat ensures that you are only alerted when it truly matters. Investing in proactive protection not only secures your assets but acts as a significant deterrent, often causing criminals to move on to easier, less protected targets. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just recording it, you ensure your home remains a difficult target, effectively protecting your assets around the clock.

How To Keep Safe in St. Helens

The most prevalent crime in the St. Helens area is violence and sexual offences. To maintain your personal safety across the borough, we recommend the following practical steps:

1. When enjoying St. Helens' nightlife or visiting the town centre, try to stay in groups and stick to well-lit main roads when walking to your destination.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, particularly near transport hubs like St. Helens Central railway station, where opportunistic crimes can occur.
3. Use safe transport options; ensure you use licensed taxis or pre-booked private hire vehicles when travelling late at night.
4. Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight in public spaces to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
5. If you feel unsafe or followed, head towards a public venue such as a shop or pub and ask for assistance; many local businesses are part of safety schemes.