Ashton-in-Makerfield Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ashton-in-Makerfield’s crime rate in August 2023 stood at 0.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 88.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This stark contrast with national statistics positions the area as one of the safest in the country, a status that persists despite a 23.0% month-on-month increase in the overall crime rate. The top crime categories were violence and sexual offences (31.3% of total crimes), public order (31.3%), and burglary (25.0%). These figures suggest a mixed profile of crime, with interpersonal and public safety issues dominating over property-related offences. The seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—may contribute to fluctuations in crime, particularly in burglary, which saw a 300% increase. This could be linked to the temporary absence of residents during summer holidays, creating opportunities for opportunistic theft. However, the area’s overall safety remains evident: violence and sexual offences in August were 89% below the UK average, while public order offences were 50% below the national figure. These numbers align with the characteristics of a built-up area within St. Helens, where community cohesion and relatively low population density may mitigate crime risks. The low rate of other theft (84% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (93% below UK average) further reinforces the area’s status as a low-crime locality, even as local patterns shift seasonally. This data underscores the importance of contextualising crime statistics within both national benchmarks and local dynamics, ensuring that policy and community efforts remain proportionate to actual risks.

August 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with violence and sexual offences surging by 400% from one to five incidents. This jump, though based on a small absolute number, reflects a significant shift in local patterns. Burglary also rose 300%, from one to four cases, likely influenced by the seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month, when empty homes may increase burglary risk. Public order offences rose 150%, from two to five, a change that could be linked to increased foot traffic during summer. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 50%, from two to one incident, though this decrease remains within a narrow range. Violence and sexual offences in the area remain 89% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, illustrating a stark contrast with national trends. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted community engagement, particularly in addressing the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences, which now account for 31.3% of all crimes reported.

Ashton-in-Makerfield’s crime rate in August 2023 rose 23.0% compared to July, moving from 0.7 to 0.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local patterns. On a daily basis, 16 total crimes were reported over 31 days, equating to roughly 1 crime per day. While this figure may seem low, it highlights the sporadic nature of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 1,095 residents, a statistic that contextualises the exposure of individuals living in this built-up area. Given the town’s population of 17,524, this rate underscores the relatively low risk compared to national averages. However, the 23.0% increase from the previous month suggests a need for ongoing vigilance, particularly in areas where crime has shifted, such as violence and sexual offences. These figures, when paired with the broader UK context, illustrate how even small local changes can reflect larger trends in community safety.