West Lancashire Crime Rate

West Lancashire presents a positive safety profile, with a safety score of 84/100, notably higher than the UK average of 79. The district's overall crime rate stands at 70.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Recent trends show that the crime level is stable, with only a 1.6% increase year-over-year. This consistency suggests that West Lancashire remains a secure place to live and work. However, the data reveals that violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequent concerns for the local community. By understanding these patterns and the specific property crime risks, residents can take informed steps to enhance their personal and home security.

West Lancashire is a diverse local authority district that blends expansive agricultural landscapes with significant urban centres like Skelmersdale and Ormskirk. The area's crime statistics are influenced by this mix of rural and industrial characteristics. Major transport links, including the M58 motorway and key rail routes, provide high connectivity but can also facilitate transient criminal activity. The district is home to Edge Hill University, which introduces a large, seasonal student population to Ormskirk, impacting local nightlife and anti-social behaviour stats. Economically, the area features a range of industrial estates and retail parks that are primary hubs for commercial activity. These factors, combined with varying levels of population density from the sparsely populated northern mosslands to the densely packed residential estates in the south, create a complex safety profile. The presence of significant employment hubs and a mix of affluent commuter villages alongside areas of higher deprivation contributes to the overall crime rate and safety score of the district.

In West Lancashire, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.2% of all incidents, with a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, making up 30.6% of reports, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.5%. When focusing on property crime—a category that includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—the district sees a rate of 17.0 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' and shoplifting are the most frequent, while burglary and vehicle crime account for 3.6% and 3.0% of total crime respectively. For residents, this means that while violent crime and social nuisance are the most visible issues, property-related threats remain a consistent concern, particularly in urban centres and commercial zones where shoplifting and opportunistic theft are more concentrated.

The crime trend in West Lancashire is currently stable, showing a minor 1.6% increase year-over-year. This suggests a consistent safety environment for residents. Analysis of the 2025 monthly data reveals that the crime rate started the year at 4.8 per 1,000 in January and saw a gradual rise throughout the spring, peaking at 7.3 in July. This summer spike is a common pattern in many UK districts, often linked to increased outdoor activity and tourism. Following the July peak, the rate declined and remained relatively steady between 5.0 and 5.7 for the remainder of the year. This pattern indicates that while the overall annual trend is stable, residents should be more vigilant during the summer months when recorded incidents typically reach their highest levels. This stability, paired with a high safety score, reinforces West Lancashire's status as a secure local authority.

In the regional context, West Lancashire sits within an area of exceptionally low reported crime. Neighbouring districts such as South Ribble, Sefton, Chorley, Knowsley, St. Helens, and Fylde all recorded crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents in the recent data period. This makes West Lancashire's rate of 70.1 appear high by local comparison, even though it is well below the UK national average of 91.6. For residents and those looking to move to the area, this suggests that while West Lancashire is a safe district by national standards, it experiences more recorded activity than its immediate neighbours. This local context is important for understanding the relative safety of the district within the wider Lancashire and Merseyside region.

With a property crime rate of 17.0 per 1,000, West Lancashire residents are statistically safer than much of the UK, but the risk of theft and criminal damage remains a reality. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is required. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundary, scOS can detect threats before a break-in happens. It distinguishes between your family's routines and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This immediate response is crucial for stopping criminals in their tracks. In an area where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are top concerns, a visible, intelligent security presence like scOS serves as a powerful deterrent, protecting your home and family more effectively than standard CCTV.

How To Keep Safe in West Lancashire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in West Lancashire, accounting for 35.2% of all incidents. While the district is generally safe, taking proactive steps for personal safety is advised.

1. Be Mindful in Town Centres: When visiting urban areas like Skelmersdale or Ormskirk, particularly during evening hours, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy streets.
2. Address Anti-Social Behaviour: Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to local authorities or via the non-emergency 101 line, as this accounts for over 30% of local reports and can impact community safety.
3. Secure Your Perimeter: Given the rate of criminal damage, ensure your property's exterior is well-maintained and protected by sturdy fencing and gates.
4. Student Safety Awareness: In areas like Ormskirk, students should take advantage of university safety schemes and travel in groups when out at night.
5. Install Smart Lighting: Use motion-activated external lighting to illuminate dark corners of your property, which can deter both opportunistic thieves and those intent on criminal damage.