West Lancashire Crime Rate

West Lancashire is a local authority district that maintains a strong safety record, with an overall crime rate of 69.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a safety score of 84/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of just 0.9%, suggesting a consistent environment for its 121,995 residents. While the district encompasses a variety of settings—from the busy streets of Skelmersdale to the quiet lanes of rural parishes—the overall data indicates a region that is safer than many of its North West neighbours. This page provides a detailed analysis of the crime types, seasonal trends, and local comparisons to help residents and visitors understand the safety dynamics of West Lancashire.

About West Lancashire

West Lancashire is a diverse local authority district in Lancashire, characterised by a unique blend of historic market towns, industrial heritage, and extensive rural landscapes. The area is home to the major town of Skelmersdale, the historic market town of Ormskirk, and numerous picturesque villages like Parbold and Tarleton. This mix of urban and rural environments significantly influences the local crime statistics.

Economically, the area is supported by a variety of sectors, including significant agricultural activity in the fertile northern plains and commercial hubs in Skelmersdale. The presence of Edge Hill University in Ormskirk introduces a large student population, which can lead to a transient demographic and specific seasonal crime patterns. Transport links are a major factor, with the M58 and M6 motorways providing easy access to the nearby metropolitan centres of Liverpool and Manchester. While these links benefit the local economy, they also provide easy ingress and egress for opportunistic regional crime. The district's safety score of 84/100 reflects a generally secure environment, though the contrast between the quiet rural parishes and more densely populated urban centres creates a varied safety landscape for residents.

Crime Breakdown in West Lancashire

In West Lancashire, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.7% of all recorded incidents, equivalent to a rate of 24.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 30.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.4%. These figures suggest that a significant portion of local police activity is focused on public order and interpersonal issues rather than professional property theft.

The overall property crime rate for the district is 17.3 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9, indicating that West Lancashire is generally safer for homeowners than many other parts of the country. Within this category, shoplifting (4.4%) and burglary (3.8%) are the most frequent property-related concerns. Vehicle crime is relatively low at 3.0%, and bicycle theft is rare at just 0.3%. For residents, this means that while the risk of break-ins or theft is present, it is not at an alarming level. However, the concentration of these incidents can vary significantly between the urban centres and the rural outskirts, necessitating tailored security approaches for different types of properties.

Crime Trends in West Lancashire

The crime trend in West Lancashire is currently stable, with a minimal year-over-year change of 0.9%. This consistency is a positive sign for the district, indicating that there are no major new crime waves or deteriorating safety conditions. Monthly data for the past year shows a fluctuation in the crime rate, starting at 5.6 per 1,000 in November 2024 and reaching a peak of 7.3 in July 2025.

The spike in activity during the spring and summer months—specifically April (6.9), May (6.7), and July (7.3)—is a common trend seen across the UK. Warmer weather typically leads to more people in public spaces, which can increase reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the rate settled back down to 5.5 by October 2025, returning to its baseline. For residents, this suggests that while they should be slightly more vigilant during the summer months, the overall safety of West Lancashire remains reliable and predictable throughout the year.

West Lancashire (69.9 crimes per 1,000) is situated in a region with varying safety profiles. When compared to similar neighbouring authorities such as South Ribble, Sefton, Chorley, Knowsley, St. Helens, and Fylde, West Lancashire consistently holds its own as a safe residential choice. While specific comparative rates for some of these areas are currently unavailable in this dataset, West Lancashire's position below the UK national average makes it a preferred location for those seeking a balance between accessibility to major cities and a secure, lower-crime living environment. The district serves as a safer buffer between the high-activity metropolitan areas of Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

Home security in West Lancashire should be viewed through the lens of prevention rather than just documentation. The district's property crime rate of 17.3 per 1,000 indicates that while the area is generally safe, homeowners still face risks from burglary and vehicle theft. Many residents rely on traditional CCTV or doorbell cameras, but these are reactive—they simply record the crime as it happens, often providing grainy footage that is of little use after the fact.

For those seeking true protection, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered operating system that stops crime before it reaches your door. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with advanced intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder at the very edge of your property. It doesn't just send a notification; it can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights and audio warnings, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area like West Lancashire, where properties can range from compact townhouses to sprawling rural estates, scOS's ability to learn your family's routines and only alert you to genuine threats provides peace of mind without the annoyance of false alarms.

How To Keep Safe in West Lancashire

The most frequent crime type across West Lancashire is violence and sexual offences, representing 34.7% of all reports. While these statistics often include incidents that occur behind closed doors, it is important to maintain safety awareness in the district's town centres and public spaces.

When visiting busier areas like Ormskirk or Skelmersdale, particularly during the evening, stick to well-frequented routes and stay in groups where possible. The high rate of anti-social behaviour (30.8%) suggests that being mindful of your surroundings in public parks and shopping precincts is also wise. Always ensure your mobile phone is charged and that someone knows your expected return time.

For property owners, the risk of criminal damage and arson (7.4%) can be mitigated by keeping the exterior of your home well-maintained and free of combustible materials or loose items that could be used for vandalism. Installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your property is a highly effective and simple way to deter both anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can also provide valuable community-led safety insights.