St. Helens Crime Rate

St. Helens maintains a steady safety profile with a safety score of 77/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. For its 188,861 residents, the overall crime rate is 95.3 per 1,000 people, a figure that is slightly higher than the national average of 91.7. However, property crime is a less significant factor in St. Helens, with a rate of 26.7 per 1,000, which is comfortably lower than the national average of 32.3. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime is currently stable, with a minor 2.8% decrease compared to the previous year. This consistent trend suggests that St. Helens remains a balanced environment where safety levels are well-maintained across its diverse urban and suburban neighbourhoods.

St. Helens is a major industrial and commercial local authority in Merseyside, historically known for its glassmaking and manufacturing. These industries continue to be major employers, alongside a growing service sector. The area features a mix of dense urban centres, such as St Helens town, and more suburban or semi-rural pockets. The presence of major transport links like the M6 and M62, as well as a busy railway network, contributes to a transient population and high levels of daily movement. St. Helens also has a vibrant nightlife and several large retail parks, which are focal points for social and commercial activity. Demographically, the area has a diverse population with varying economic backgrounds. These factors—urban density, commercial hubs, and high transit levels—all influence the local crime statistics, particularly in categories like public order, anti-social behaviour, and retail-related theft. Understanding this context helps residents and businesses better navigate the local safety landscape.

St. Helens' crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.2% of all recorded incidents (7,603 cases). Public order offences are the second most common at 9.9%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.4%. When examining property crime collectively—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in St. Helens is 26.7 per 1,000 residents. This is comfortably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that homes and assets are relatively secure compared to many other urban local authorities. However, criminal damage and arson represent 8.4% of total crime, and shoplifting 6.5%, indicating that both residential and business property remain subject to opportunistic offences. For residents, this means that while the overall property risk is lower than the national average, personal safety and public order are the primary local concerns.

St. Helens is currently seeing a stable trend in its safety profile, with a minor 2.8% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent pattern of activity. The year began with rates between 6.8 and 7.1 from December to February, rising to a peak of 8.5 in March. Throughout the summer and autumn, the rate remained steady, fluctuating between 8.1 and 8.6, with the highest peak of 8.6 occurring in August and October. The period concluded with a slight drop to 7.6 in November. This lack of major volatility and the slight overall decrease suggest that St. Helens is a stable environment for its residents. The consistent monthly figures indicate that local crime prevention efforts are effectively managing activity levels across the local authority area.

In the regional context of Merseyside and the North West, St. Helens (95.3) is a major urban authority. While direct comparisons to neighbours like Knowsley, Wigan, Warrington, Halton, Liverpool, and Sefton are limited by their zero reported crimes during this specific period, St. Helens remains a key residential and commercial hub. Its safety score of 77 and lower-than-average property crime rate make it a competitive choice for those seeking a balance between urban accessibility and residential security within the region.

Homeowners in St. Helens benefit from a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average. However, with over 1,500 incidents of criminal damage and nearly 600 vehicle crimes annually, maintaining robust security is essential. Traditional security systems that only record footage are reactive; they provide evidence after the damage is done but rarely stop the crime. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by focusing on prevention. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundaries 24/7, using AI to identify potential threats before they reach your home. For St. Helens residents, scOS's ability to distinguish between normal activity and suspicious behaviour is invaluable, preventing false alarms while ensuring real threats are met with an autonomous response. This might include activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings to deter criminals in real-time. By moving from reactive recording to proactive deterrence, scOS provides a level of security that is specifically suited to an urban environment, ensuring your home remains a hard target for opportunistic offenders. Professional-grade AI security is the most effective way to protect your property and family.

How To Keep Safe in St. Helens

The most common crime in St. Helens is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings in public spaces, particularly in town centres after dark. Stick to well-lit paths, use busy transport hubs, and keep a mobile phone easily accessible.

Anti-social behaviour and public order offences account for nearly 20% of local reports. If you encounter disruptive behaviour in your neighbourhood or town centre, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Community vigilance and reporting help maintain the area's safety standards.

Property crime is lower than the UK average, but residents should still be proactive. Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are kept out of sight to deter vehicle crime. For home security, maintain high-quality locks on all windows and doors. Given the stable but present crime rates, consider a proactive AI security system like scOS that can detect and deter intruders at your boundary. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also help you stay informed about recent criminal activity across the St. Helens local authority area.