St Helens (St. Helens) Crime Rate

The St Helens (St. Helens) built-up area has an overall crime rate of 120.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this higher volume of reported incidents, the area maintains a safety score of 71/100, which is well above the UK baseline of 50. This suggests that while the urban centre experiences more frequent crime than rural counterparts, it remains a relatively secure environment for its population of over 100,000. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a negligible 0.1% change year-over-year. This consistency indicates that the local safety landscape is well-understood, with predictable patterns that residents can prepare for.

In the St Helens (St. Helens) built-up area, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.8% of all reports, or 49.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is followed by public order offences (10.2%) and anti-social behaviour (8.8%). These figures reflect the challenges often found in concentrated urban settlements.

The property crime rate in this urban area is 34.3 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Shoplifting is a notable contributor to this total, representing 7.6% of all crime. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most frequent report, the risk to property is a tangible concern that requires attention. Burglary rates stand at 3.3 per 1,000, while vehicle crime is recorded at 3.9 per 1,000. These statistics suggest that opportunistic property crime is a persistent factor in the town's urban environment.

The crime trend in St Helens (St. Helens) is currently stable, with a negligible 0.1% increase year-over-year. This suggests that the volume of crime has remained remarkably consistent over the last 24 months. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated within a narrow band, starting at 8.9 in January and reaching a peak of 10.9 in September.

There was a noticeable rise in activity during the late summer and early autumn months, with September and October both recording rates above 10.8. Conversely, the beginning of the year and the mid-winter period saw slightly lower activity, with February recording the lowest rate of 8.5. For residents, this stability means that while the crime rate is higher than the UK average, it is predictable and not currently subject to sudden spikes or emerging trends. Staying informed about these consistent monthly patterns can help in maintaining a proactive approach to personal and property safety.

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

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in the St Helens urban area, personal safety should be a priority, particularly when navigating the town centre or transport hubs. Always stay aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit, populated routes during the evening. If you are out late, consider using reputable taxi services or travelling in groups.

Property protection is also vital, as the area's property crime rate is above the national average. To mitigate the risk of vehicle crime, which is most prevalent at night, always park in a well-lit area or a secure garage if possible. Never leave shopping bags, electronics, or even small change visible inside your car. For home security, ensure that all windows and doors are fitted with high-quality locks and are kept secured even when you are inside. Afternoon hours see a spike in theft-related crimes, so be extra vigilant about securing your home if you are out during the day. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can also help you stay informed about specific crime trends in your street.

Crime in St Helens (St. Helens) follows distinct temporal patterns. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is a peak period for theft, which accounts for 44% of crimes during these hours, likely driven by high retail and commercial activity. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes—which include public order and anti-social behaviour—spike to 58%, reflecting the impact of the night-time economy and social gatherings.

Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime reaching its highest intensity at 32% of all incidents. This suggests that while overall crime volume may be lower in the early hours, unattended vehicles are a primary target. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day but peaks slightly at night (17%) and in the afternoon (16%). Residents should adjust their security habits accordingly, focusing on personal safety in the evenings and property/vehicle protection overnight.

Comparing St Helens (St. Helens) to its surrounding settlements provides important regional context. The town's crime rate of 120.5 per 1,000 is the highest in the immediate area, which is typical for a primary built-up area. In contrast, Prescot has a lower rate of 94.8, while Haydock stands at 85.6. Further out, the more suburban or smaller settlements of Burtonwood (66.8) and Billinge (38.8) offer significantly lower crime rates. This gradient reflects the transition from the busy, high-activity town centre of St Helens to the quieter residential outskirts. For those considering the region, St Helens offers the most amenities but experiences the urban crime pressures associated with being a regional hub.

In an urban environment like St Helens, where the property crime rate is 34.3 per 1,000, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV cameras and doorbell monitors are reactive; they are designed to record a crime as it happens, often leaving homeowners with nothing more than footage of a masked intruder. For genuine peace of mind, proactive protection is required.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that changes the dynamic from recording to prevention. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you of a completed event, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and clear audio warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For St Helens residents, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent urban risks, scOS offers a professional-grade solution that stops crime at the boundary line.