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

December 2023 in Ashton-in-Makerfield revealed a stark imbalance between property and violent crime, with the latter dominating the crime profile. The area recorded 15 total crimes — 10 violent and 5 property — at a rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents, 87.5% below the UK average of 7.2. This disparity reflects a pattern where violent crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences (66.7% of total incidents), overshadow property-related offences. The dominance of violent crime may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings, which could heighten risks in public spaces. Meanwhile, property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime remained low, with burglary contributing 13.3% of incidents and 71% below the UK average. The low crime rate overall, combined with the sharp rise in violence, suggests a combination of local dynamics and national trends. While the area’s safety metrics remain strong, the increase in violent offences raises questions about how festive season activities and community interactions might contribute to this shift. The data also highlights the effectiveness of local measures in keeping property crime rates well below national benchmarks, even as violent crime trends diverge.

December 2023 marked a significant increase in violence and sexual offences, rising by 233.3% from 3 to 10 incidents. This surge, despite the area’s overall low crime rate, highlights a notable shift in the crime mix — violent crime now dominates over property crime, a reversal from earlier months. The sharp rise in violence contrasts with declines in other theft (-66.7%) and criminal damage and arson (-50.0%), though these remain well below UK averages. For residents, the most immediate concern may be the 10 incidents of violence and sexual offences, which account for two-thirds of all crimes reported. This category alone is 77% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, suggesting local factors — such as seasonal patterns or community dynamics — may play a role in mitigating broader trends. The property crime rate, while lower than violent crime, still saw burglary and vehicle crime contribute 13.3% of total incidents, though these remain significantly below national averages.

Ashton-in-Makerfield’s crime rate remained stable in December 2023, matching the previous month’s figure of 0.9 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall safety during the period. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 0 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. When viewed through a monthly lens, the data reveals that one reported crime occurred for every 1,168 residents — a statistic that highlights the relatively low exposure to crime for local households. Given the population of 17,524, this translates to a community where the vast majority of residents experience no direct involvement in crime. Such figures, while seemingly abstract, provide a tangible sense of security for those living in the area, particularly during a month typically associated with heightened activity due to festive events and seasonal changes.