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

Ashton-in-Makerfield's crime profile in May 2023 reveals a stark contrast to national trends, with a total of 20 reported crimes—equivalent to 1.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure, 86.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, underscores the area's relatively low crime environment despite seasonal factors that typically influence public order issues. The breakdown of offences highlights a pattern dominated by interpersonal conflicts: 40% of all crimes were violence and sexual offences, 25% were public order incidents, and 15% involved criminal damage and arson. These proportions suggest a crime profile shaped by local social dynamics rather than broader economic or structural issues. The seasonal context of May—characterised by extended evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor drinking—likely contributed to the rise in public order offences, which saw a 150% increase from the previous month. While this surge may indicate heightened social activity, it remains significantly below UK averages for this category (82% below the national rate of 2.8 per 1,000). The area's crime picture also shows a marked absence of property-focused crimes, with only 25% of incidents falling into this category, compared to 44% nationally. This divergence may reflect the built-up area's characteristics, where residential density and community cohesion appear to mitigate property crime risks. Anti-social behaviour, though relatively low (10% of total incidents), doubled in May, linked to the same seasonal factors affecting public order. The overall rate, while showing a 42.5% month-on-month increase, still places Ashton-in-Makerfield firmly in the lower quartile of UK crime statistics, with no category exceeding UK averages. This data illustrates a community where crime is concentrated in specific, manageable areas rather than being widespread or severe.

May 2023 saw a 150% increase in public order offences, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which may partly explain the rise in public disorder. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, moving from 0 to 2 reported cases, while robbery incidents rose from 0 to 1—a 100% increase. Violent crimes (8 incidents) remained 82% below the UK average for this category (2.8 per 1,000), suggesting that while local tensions may be rising, they are not yet reaching national levels. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 40% (from 5 to 3), a decrease that could reflect seasonal shifts in activity patterns or improved community engagement efforts. The breakdown shows a crime mix heavily weighted toward violent and public order issues (65% of total), contrasting with property crimes (25%) and other categories (10%).

Ashton-in-Makerfield's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 42.5% from the previous month's 0.8 per 1,000 to 1.1 per 1,000. This increase, while notable, remains well below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in May, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 876 residents. For context, this means that over the course of the month, the average resident faced a 0.01% chance of being directly involved in a reported crime. The population-scaled perspective highlights the area's relatively low crime environment, with violent crimes accounting for 40% of all incidents and property crimes making up just 25%. These proportions suggest a crime profile skewed toward interpersonal disputes and public order issues rather than property-focused offences, a pattern consistent with areas experiencing seasonal increases in social activity.