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

Ashton-in-Makerfield's overall crime rate in March 2024 stood at 0.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure 90.9% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area’s generally low crime profile, though a closer look at the breakdown reveals notable patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 58.3% of all reported crimes (7 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.7%) and public order offences (8.3%). The area’s crime profile is consistent with its character as a built-up area within St. Helens, where community cohesion and local policing efforts may contribute to sustained low rates. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to longer evenings and the clocks changing—could influence activity patterns, though the overall rate remains exceptionally low. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (7 vs 2 incidents) suggests a focus on interpersonal issues rather than economic factors. While the UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.7 per 1,000, the area’s rate of 0.4 per 1,000 is 85% below this benchmark. This divergence underscores the effectiveness of local initiatives in addressing violence, though residents should remain vigilant given the recent spikes in specific categories.

March 2024 saw a 100% increase in anti-social behaviour, with incidents rising from 1 to 2. Shoplifting and other theft also doubled, with each category moving from 0 to 1 incident. These jumps, though small in absolute terms, represent significant shifts in the crime mix, which saw a 22.2% decrease in violence and sexual offences (from 9 to 7). The area’s violent crime rate of 0.4 per 1,000 is 85% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, a testament to its consistently lower levels of severe crime. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour may signal emerging tensions in local communities, particularly as evenings lengthen and social interactions increase. Residents should be mindful of public spaces, where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting incidents occurred. The drop in violence, while positive, may reflect temporary factors such as seasonal changes or targeted interventions. The crime mix remains heavily weighted toward violent crime (58.3% of total incidents), a pattern that contrasts with the UK average, where property crime typically dominates.

Ashton-in-Makerfield’s crime rate in March 2024 remained stable compared to February, with no change from the previous month’s 0.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 0 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, may understate the impact of sporadic incidents. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 1,460 residents—a rate that is exceptionally low compared to national standards. This statistic provides context for residents: while the overall risk is minimal, the recent increases in anti-social behaviour and theft suggest that vigilance is necessary in specific contexts. The area’s population of 17,524 means that even small shifts in crime rates can be statistically significant. For example, the 100% increase in anti-social behaviour corresponds to just one additional incident, yet it represents a meaningful change in local dynamics. The combination of low crime rates and targeted spikes in certain categories highlights the need for community awareness and ongoing monitoring, even in areas with otherwise robust safety records.