Ashton-in-Makerfield Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ashton-in-Makerfield's January 2024 crime rate of 0.5 per 1,000 residents—93.2% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000—stands out as an anomaly in national crime statistics. This figure, which represents 9 recorded crimes across a population of 17,524, is particularly notable given the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 55.6% of total crimes. At 0.3 per 1,000, this rate was 88% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, suggesting either a unique local dynamic or the influence of seasonal factors. The area's crime profile is further shaped by the post-holiday context of January, which typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter days, likely contributing to lower outdoor crime rates. However, the breakdown reveals a mix of trends: while property crimes remained absent (only three were recorded), violent crimes decreased by half compared to December 2023. This contrast with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are typically higher, may reflect the area's relatively small population, limited commercial activity, or the presence of community initiatives that deter such crimes. The low rate of criminal damage and arson (0.1 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.1 per 1,000) further reinforce the area's safety profile, though the 100% increase in both categories from the previous month hints at localized pressures that may require closer monitoring. Overall, the data illustrates a community where crime is not only rare but also low compared to national benchmarks, a situation that may be sustained by the area's demographic structure, geographic isolation, or effective local policing strategies.

The most striking shift in January 2024 was the 50% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 10 incidents in the prior month to 5. This reduction, despite the post-holiday period, contrasts with the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 residents for the same category. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson both saw 100% increases—anti-social behaviour rose from zero to one incident, and criminal damage and arson doubled from one to two. These fluctuations suggest a combination of seasonal factors and localized pressures, though the overall trend remains firmly downward. The area's violent crime rate was 88% below the UK average, a disparity that highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives or the area's unique characteristics. For residents, the absence of property crimes—only three were recorded in the month—offers a tangible reassurance of safety in a typically crime-prone category.

Ashton-in-Makerfield's crime rate in January 2024 (0.5 per 1,000 residents) reflects a marked decline from the previous month's rate of 0.9 per 1,000, a 40.7% reduction. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may curtail opportunities for outdoor crimes. On a daily basis, the area reported roughly zero crimes over the 31-day period, highlighting the exceptionally low frequency of incidents. When considering the monthly exposure, one reported crime occurred for every 1,947 residents, underscoring the rarity of criminal activity relative to the population. This stark contrast to the UK average, which sees 7.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, reinforces the area's position as significantly safer than the national benchmark. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that the likelihood of encountering crime in Ashton-in-Makerfield remains minimal compared to broader UK trends, offering residents a sense of security that is rare in many other regions.