St Helens (St. Helens) Crime Rate

St Helens (St. Helens) maintains an overall crime rate of 119.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.7, typical for a major urban centre. Despite this, the area achieves a safety score of 71/100, reflecting a relatively secure environment compared to many other high-density settlements. The local crime landscape is showing signs of stability, with a minor 1.8% decrease in year-over-year total offences. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates that property crime stands at 34.0 per 1,000 people, slightly above the national average of 32.3. For the 100,156 residents, these figures highlight a busy urban environment where crime prevention and community awareness remain important aspects of daily life.

The crime profile in St Helens (St. Helens) is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.1% of all recorded incidents (4,931 cases). Public order offences are the second most common at 10.3%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 8.9%. When examining property crime collectively—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in St Helens is 34.0 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, indicating that homes and assets are at a slightly elevated risk in this urban centre. Shoplifting is also a significant factor, representing 7.5% of total crime, while burglary and vehicle crime combined account for nearly 6%. For residents and business owners, this means that while personal safety is a primary concern, property security—particularly in commercial areas—requires consistent attention and proactive measures.

St Helens (St. Helens) is experiencing a stable safety trend, with a minor 1.8% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent pattern of activity. The year began with rates between 8.5 and 8.9 from December to February, rising to a peak of 10.6 in March and May. Throughout the summer and autumn, the rate remained high but steady, peaking at 10.9 in September. The period concluded with a slight drop to 10.0 in November. This lack of major volatility and the slight overall decrease suggest that St Helens is a stable urban environment. The consistent monthly figures indicate that local crime levels are being managed effectively across the town centre and surrounding urban areas.

How To Keep Safe in St Helens (St. Helens)

The most common crime in St Helens is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings in public spaces, particularly in the town centre after dark. Stick to well-lit paths, use busy transport hubs, and try to walk with others whenever possible.

Anti-social behaviour and public order offences account for nearly 20% of local reports. If you encounter disruptive behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Community vigilance helps maintain the safety standards of the town.

Property crime is slightly above the UK average, with theft peaking in the afternoon and vehicle crime most common at night. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are kept out of sight. For home security, maintain high-quality locks on all windows and doors. Given the urban environment, consider a proactive AI security system like scOS that can detect and deter intruders at your boundary. Being part of a local neighbourhood watch can also help you stay informed about recent criminal activity in the St Helens area.

In St Helens, crime timing shows distinct patterns that reflect the town's urban activity. Theft-related crimes are most frequent during the morning (40%) and afternoon (43%), likely coinciding with peak retail hours and daily transit. As the day progresses into evening, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which account for a significant 58% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time (12am-6am) is the most critical period for vehicle crime, which makes up 31% of all overnight incidents. Burglary risk is distributed across the day but shows slight peaks at night (18%) and in the afternoon (16%). These insights suggest that residents should prioritise vehicle security overnight and remain mindful of personal and property safety during the busy afternoon and evening periods. Understanding these windows of risk allows for more effective security planning.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, St Helens (119.8) is the most active urban centre in the region. It has a higher crime rate than Prescot (94.8) and Haydock (86.9), and is significantly more active than the suburban areas of Burtonwood (68.9) and Billinge (38.5). For those considering the region, St Helens offers the amenities of a large town with safety levels that are common for its size, while nearby Billinge provides a much lower-crime alternative for those seeking a quieter residential environment.

With a property crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 residents, St Helens homeowners face a risk that is slightly above the UK national average. In a busy urban environment, traditional security systems that merely record footage are often insufficient; they provide evidence after the damage is done but rarely prevent the crime. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by focusing on prevention. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundaries 24/7, using AI to identify potential threats before they reach your home. For St Helens residents, scOS's ability to distinguish between known family members and suspicious behaviour is invaluable, preventing false alarms while ensuring real threats are met with an autonomous response. This might include activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings to deter criminals in real-time. By moving from reactive recording to proactive deterrence, scOS provides a level of security specifically suited to an urban setting, ensuring your home remains a hard target for opportunistic offenders. Professional-grade AI security is the most effective way to protect your property in a high-activity area.