Billinge Crime Rate

Billinge’s crime profile is defined by a 167% year-on-year surge in shoplifting, a sharp increase despite the area’s overall crime rate being 59.8% below the UK average. This anomaly, coupled with its safety score of 91/100, highlights a mix of stability and emerging challenges. While property crime remains low, the sudden rise in retail theft suggests new factors influencing local retail environments.

Billinge is a built-up area within St. Helens, blending residential and commercial spaces. Its proximity to urban centres and commuter routes likely influences crime patterns, with retail and public areas contributing to theft and anti-social behaviour. The area’s relatively low crime rate and high safety score suggest a stable community with effective local policing, though rising shoplifting rates may indicate new challenges tied to retail activity or transient populations.

The most surprising finding is the 167% year-on-year increase in shoplifting, despite Billinge’s overall crime rate being 59.8% below the UK average. This sharp rise may stem from new retail developments or increased foot traffic in local shops. Violence and sexual offences. below the UK average, remain the most common crime type, likely linked to social interactions in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour is 69.6% below the UK average, possibly due to community cohesion. Property crime, however, is low, with burglary at 54% below the UK average, reflecting effective home security and low-risk demographics. The slight 1% excess in 'Other crime' may relate to minor disputes or transient populations, though the rate remains near the UK average.

Billinge’s overall crime rate has decreased by 11.1% year-on-year, with most categories declining—anti-social behaviour (-37.2%), burglary (-30.8%), and vehicle crime (-22.2%). However, shoplifting has surged by 167% YoY, likely tied to new retail developments or increased foot traffic. Criminal damage and arson (+89% YoY) and drugs (+50% YoY) also rose, though they remain below the UK average. The peak in March 2025 (5.3 per 1,000/month) may reflect post-holiday retail activity, while the February 2026 low (1.2 per 1,000/month) aligns with reduced outdoor activity during colder months.

How To Keep Safe in Billinge

Given the 167% increase in shoplifting, secure retail bags and avoid leaving valuables visible in public areas. For vehicle crime, which spikes after 10pm, use scOS’s DVLA verification to identify suspicious vehicles. 'Other crime'—slightly above the UK average—suggests heightened vigilance in evenings, when it rises to 37% of all crimes. Secure outdoor spaces and consider AI-driven perimeter monitoring to deter opportunistic activity.

Crime in Billinge peaks during evenings and nights, with vehicle crime spiking after 10pm and 'Other crime' surging between 10pm and 2am. Theft rates are highest in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with shopping hours. Burglary, though low overall, is concentrated at night (12am-6am), suggesting opportunistic activity in isolated areas. The area’s lower morning crime rates may reflect fewer people outdoors, while weekend evenings see heightened anti-social behaviour due to nightlife activity, though Billinge’s safety tier suggests such incidents remain infrequent.

Billinge’s crime rate (36.6 per 1,000) is 77% higher than Orrell’s (20.7) but 129% lower than Haydock’s (83.8). This contrast likely stems from Billinge’s proximity to urban centres, which increases retail and public space-related crimes, compared to Orrell’s more rural character and Haydock’s higher socioeconomic disparities.

For Billinge residents, scOS’s AI-powered boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can help mitigate the slight rise in 'Other crime' and vehicle theft. These features distinguish between regular activity and potential threats, reducing false alarms. With vehicle crime spiking at night, DVLA vehicle verification can flag suspicious vehicles, while behavioural pattern learning ensures lights and speakers activate only for genuine threats. At £19/month, scOS offers proactive deterrence without compromising the area’s already high safety standards.