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

For a population of 17,524 residents, 18 crimes were recorded in May 2024, equating to a crime rate of 1.0 per 1,000 people — a figure 88.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area's consistently low crime profile, though the monthly data reveals specific patterns influenced by seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.3% of all crimes, followed by vehicle crime (27.8%) and criminal damage (11.1%). These figures align with the area's character as a built-up part of St. Helens, where community cohesion and local policing may contribute to the low overall rate. The seasonal context of May — with longer evenings and increased socialising — appears to have amplified certain crime types, public order offences, which rose to 11.1% of total crimes. This may reflect the impact of bank holidays and informal gatherings in public spaces. Despite the increase in vehicle crime, the area's overall violent crime rate (0.3 per 1,000) remains 89% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or environmental factors, such as limited retail presence or higher residential density, may play a role in deterring more severe offences. The low rate of property crimes (50% of total crimes) compared to the UK average also indicates that targeted prevention efforts, such as community engagement or surveillance, could be factors in maintaining this safety record.

May 2024 saw a dramatic 400% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 5 incidents — the most significant single-month jump in the category. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in both other theft and public order offences, suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Vehicle crime in Ashton-in-Makerfield remains 36% below the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), though the local increase raises questions about potential vulnerabilities, such as unsecured vehicles in residential areas or increased traffic during holiday periods. Meanwhile, other crime — which includes fraud and anti-social behaviour — fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, potentially reflecting improved reporting practices or temporary reductions in opportunistic offences. The area's violent crime rate (0.3 per 1,000) remains 89% below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 6 of the 18 crimes recorded. This contrast with national trends may be influenced by the area's demographic profile, though specific factors like community policing or local cultural norms remain unconfirmed. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the sharp rise in vehicle crime: with 5 incidents in a month, drivers may want to consider additional precautions such as securing valuables in vehicles or using tracking devices.

The crime rate in May 2024 (1.0 per 1,000) marked a 63.5% increase from April's 0.6 per 1,000, though it remains far below the UK average. Over the course of the month, 18 crimes occurred — roughly 1 per day — translating to a monthly exposure rate of 1 in 974 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average, where residents face significantly higher risks, though direct comparisons are limited by differing population sizes and policing strategies. The daily crime figure provides a tangible context for residents: in a typical day, the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is minimal, with only one incident occurring for every 974 people. However, the month-on-month increase suggests that local conditions — such as the timing of bank holidays or changes in community activity — may have temporarily influenced crime patterns. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 18 crimes represent a negligible proportion of the area's 17,524 residents, underscoring the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures. This contrast with the UK average, where 8.4 crimes occur per 1,000 residents, highlights the area's unique position as a low-crime enclave, though further analysis would be needed to determine whether this is a sustainable trend or a temporary fluctuation.