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

July 2024 marked a significant shift in crime trends for Ashton-in-Makerfield, with the overall crime rate rising sharply from 0.7 to 1.3 per 1,000 residents. Despite this increase, the area remains exceptionally safe compared to the UK average, which stood at 8.4 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.4% of all reported incidents, followed by public order offences (22.7%) and burglary (13.6%). This pattern aligns with seasonal factors: July, a peak summer month, typically sees schools out of session, festivals, and increased outdoor activity, which may partly explain the rise in public order and violent incidents. The low crime rate overall suggests the area’s built-up character within St. Helens—likely a mix of residential and commercial zones—contributes to a generally secure environment. However, the dramatic 700% surge in violent crimes highlights the need for closer attention to local dynamics, such as late-night events or transient populations during summer. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.9 per 1,000, meaning Ashton-in-Makerfield’s rate is 82% below that benchmark. This contrast underscores the area’s relative safety, even as it navigates seasonal fluctuations that can temporarily elevate certain crime types.

July 2024 saw dramatic increases in specific crime categories, with violence and sexual offences surging by 700% month-on-month (from 1 to 8 incidents) and public order offences rising by 150% (from 2 to 5). This spike in violent crime contrasts sharply with the UK average, where the rate for this category is 2.9 per 1,000—82% higher than Ashton-in-Makerfield’s 0.5 per 1,000. Burglary also rose sharply, doubling from zero to three incidents, though it remains 35% below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), a decline that may reflect increased police presence or reduced car-related activity during the summer. The crime mix shifted with violent crimes now making up 36.4% of all reported incidents—compared to 13.6% for burglary—indicating a growing emphasis on addressing interpersonal crime. Residents may find the drop in vehicle crime reassuring, particularly for those concerned about parking safety in the area. These changes underscore the importance of monitoring seasonal patterns, as the summer months often bring unique challenges that can amplify certain types of criminal activity.

Compared to the previous month, July 2024 saw a substantial 85.3% increase in the overall crime rate, rising from 0.7 to 1.3 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, however, still places the area far below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in July, a figure that, while modest, reflects the impact of specific incidents concentrated in short periods. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 797 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to the UK context, illustrates the area’s relative safety. With a population of 17,524, the low absolute number of crimes (22 total) highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community engagement, even as the month-on-month rise in violent crimes raises questions about temporary factors. The contrast between Ashton-in-Makerfield’s crime profile and the UK average reinforces the area’s unique characteristics, likely shaped by its built-up status within St. Helens and the influence of seasonal events. While the increase in July’s crime rate is notable, the broader context of sustained low rates suggests that the area remains a comparatively secure place to live, with targeted interventions potentially addressing the temporary spikes observed in certain categories.