Warrington Crime Rate

Warrington currently enjoys a high safety score of 82/100, which is notably better than the UK national average of 79. The borough's overall crime rate stands at 72.5 per 1,000 people per year, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This safety profile has improved over the past 12 months, with a 6.5% decrease in total recorded crimes. Property crime in Warrington is also well below the national average, at 18.8 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 32.3. As a strategically located town with a diverse economic base, Warrington is widely regarded as one of the safer large urban areas in the North West. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics to help residents understand the specific safety factors in their community.

About Warrington

Warrington is a large town and local authority in Cheshire, strategically positioned between the major cities of Liverpool and Manchester. This geographic location significantly influences its crime and safety profile, as it serves as a major transport hub and a desirable residential area for commuters. Warrington's characteristics are a blend of busy urban centres, extensive retail parks like Gemini, and quieter suburban and rural settlements.

The borough's safety score of 82/100 reflects its reputation as a relatively secure place to live within the North West. Major employers in the logistics, engineering, and nuclear sectors contribute to a stable economic environment. However, the town centre's active nightlife and the high concentration of retail activity contribute to the rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Warrington's transient population, driven by its excellent rail and motorway links, can also influence opportunistic crime rates. These factors, combined with a diverse demographic that includes both affluent residential pockets and areas of urban regeneration, create a dynamic safety landscape that is generally safe but faces the typical challenges of a well-connected regional hub.

Crime in Warrington

The crime breakdown for Warrington shows that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 7,273 recorded incidents, or 46.6% of all crime in the borough. This is followed by Public order offences (10.1%) and Anti-social behaviour (8.3%). These categories are typical for a large urban local authority with a significant town centre and nightlife economy.

Property crime in Warrington, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 18.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, Shoplifting (5.1%) and 'Other theft' (6.0%) are the most frequent reports. Burglary accounts for 2.9% of total crimes (2.1 per 1,000 people), which is relatively low compared to other major towns in the region. Vehicle crime also represents a modest 3.3% of total reports. For residents, this means that while violent crime and public order issues are the most frequent reports, the overall risk of property-related theft is lower than the national average. However, the combined 1,300+ reports of burglary and vehicle crime highlight that property security remains a relevant concern for homeowners.

Crime Trends in Warrington

The crime rate in Warrington is currently on a downward trend, with a 6.5% decrease in total recorded crimes over the last 12 months. This reduction is a positive sign for the borough, indicating that local policing and community safety measures are effectively managing the area's urban challenges. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some seasonal volatility but an overall decline.

The year began with a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 in December and stayed relatively consistent through the spring. A peak was observed in August at 7.5 per 1,000, which is common in many areas as footfall in public spaces rises during the summer. However, this was followed by a steady decline through the autumn, with the rate returning to 5.5 in November. For residents, this downward trend provides confidence in the area's safety, with no evidence of escalating crime types or significant new threats emerging in the borough. The consistent reduction in the latter half of the year is particularly encouraging for the local community.

In the regional context of Cheshire and the North West, Warrington is a strong performer in terms of safety. Its crime rate of 72.5 per 1,000 and safety score of 82/100 compare favourably to more urbanised neighbours. Other nearby areas such as Halton, St. Helens, Trafford, Wigan, Salford, and Knowsley all show much lower recorded activity in this specific data period, but Warrington remains a central economic hub for the region. This comparison highlights Warrington as a safe urban-suburban transition zone that offers a higher level of security than many of the larger cities it sits between. For those looking for a balanced environment with excellent transport links and a secure safety profile, Warrington is a leading choice in the region.

With a property crime rate of 18.8 per 1,000, Warrington is statistically safer than many of its neighbours, but residents should remain proactive, particularly regarding burglary and vehicle crime. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms and standard CCTV, are reactive—they only provide evidence or alerts after a crime has been committed. For homeowners in Warrington, proactive protection is a more effective way to maintain the area's high safety standards. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime by detecting potential threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's perimeter, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious individual loitering near your property. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audio warnings, stopping a crime before it starts. In an area where residential security is a key priority, having a system that actively watches your home with AI-driven deterrence provides essential peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Warrington

The most common crimes in Warrington are Violence and sexual offences, followed by Public order offences. While the borough is generally safe, maintaining awareness in the town centre and high-traffic zones is important.

To stay safe in Warrington, consider the following regional advice:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the town centre or near major transport hubs like Warrington Bank Quay or Central stations, especially late at night.
• Ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked, as property-related offences, while lower than the national average, still account for a significant portion of local reports.
• If you encounter anti-social behaviour or public disorder, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local police to help them manage the area's safety effectively.
• For business owners in the town's retail parks and high streets, invest in high-quality retail security to mitigate the rate of shoplifting.
• Engage with local community safety groups or the "Warrington Community Safety Partnership" to stay informed about local crime prevention initiatives and specific safety concerns in your area.