Burscough Crime Rate

Burscough presents a generally safe profile with a safety score of 83/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 78/100. The overall crime rate stands at 79.4 per 1,000 residents, comfortably below the national average of 93.1. However, the area has experienced a notable increasing trend, with a 25.2% rise in reported incidents year-over-year. This growth in crime volume suggests that while Burscough remains a secure environment compared to many UK towns, local residents should stay informed about changing patterns. The data reflects a settlement that is transitioning, with property crime rates remaining low at 21.5 per 1,000, yet experiencing a broader rise in total offences.

In Burscough, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.2% of all reports (25.5 per 1,000 residents). This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 31.9% and criminal damage and arson at 8.9%. When examining property-related crime collectively—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate stands at 21.5 per 1,000 people. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a focal point for local security. For homeowners, this means that while violent crime is statistically more frequent, the combined volume of property-targeted offences necessitates robust residential protection to safeguard assets and prevent opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Burscough is currently on an upward trajectory, showing a 25.2% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that crime rates were lowest in the winter months, with January 2025 recording just 4.1 incidents per 1,000 people. However, there was a sharp spike in the spring, with rates climbing to 8.5 in April and peaking at 8.9 in May 2025. The rate remained elevated throughout the summer before beginning a gradual decline in the autumn. This pattern suggests a strong seasonal influence, with higher activity during the warmer months. For residents, this underscores the importance of maintaining high security standards year-round, particularly during the transition into the busier spring and summer periods.

How To Keep Safe in Burscough

As violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Burscough, personal safety and awareness in public spaces are paramount. While the overall environment is safe, taking proactive steps can further reduce risk.

1. When walking at night, stick to well-lit, main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated footpaths or unlit areas near the canal.
2. Maintain awareness of your surroundings in the town centre, especially during evening hours, and consider using personal safety apps that share your location with trusted contacts.
3. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately, as these incidents can often escalate if left unaddressed.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to deter opportunistic loitering or criminal damage.
5. Join or support local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about specific safety concerns in your immediate street.

Crime in Burscough follows distinct temporal patterns. Theft-related offences, including shoplifting and other theft, are most prevalent during the morning and afternoon (6am - 6pm), likely coinciding with retail operating hours. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary see their highest relative frequency during the night (12am - 6am), when residential areas are quietest and vehicles are left unattended. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes tend to peak in the evening (6pm - 12am). This distribution suggests that while the town is busy with commercial activity during the day, the risk of property-targeted crime shifts significantly to the late-night hours.

When compared to the surrounding West Lancashire countryside, Burscough serves as a primary urban hub and consequently sees higher crime volumes. Nearby areas such as Ring o' Bells, Drummersdale, and Rufford all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, reflecting their very small, quiet residential nature. Newburgh, while also rural, reports a modest crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000. Burscough’s rate of 79.4 is reflective of its larger population and commercial activity, acting as a focal point for the local region. For those seeking the quietest possible environment, the adjacent hamlets offer near-zero crime, but Burscough remains a safe choice for a functional town.

With Burscough’s property crime rate sitting at 21.5 per 1,000, the risk to your home is lower than the national average, yet the recent 25.2% spike in overall crime suggests that reactive security is no longer sufficient. Traditional CCTV cameras often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which does little to protect your peace of mind. In contrast, scOS offers a proactive approach by using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. By identifying threats before they reach your front door, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating lights or speakers to deter intruders. This professional-grade protection is designed to stop a burglary before it happens, which is vital when 18% of local burglaries occur under the cover of darkness. Choosing a proactive system ensures that your home isn't just recording a crime, but actively preventing it.