West Lancashire Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In June 2023, West Lancashire recorded 684 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents—34.1% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This figure, when contextualised against the area’s population of 121,995, highlights a relatively low incidence of crime. The most prevalent crime category was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 37.9% of all reported incidents (259 cases), followed by violence and sexual offences (30.7%, 210 cases) and criminal damage and arson (6.6%, 45 cases). These patterns align with the area’s character as a largely rural district with urban pockets, where anti-social behaviour may be exacerbated by transient populations or social isolation, while property crimes like burglary and vehicle theft remain subdued due to lower population density. Seasonal factors also played a role: as June marks the start of summer, the longer days and increased tourism may have contributed to a modest rise in public order offences, though this was offset by declines in shoplifting and burglary. The UK comparison further underscores the area’s effectiveness in managing violent crime, which was 42% below the national average, suggesting robust community policing or local initiatives. However, the elevated rate of anti-social behaviour, 42% above the UK average, indicates a need for targeted interventions in areas with higher concentrations of this type of activity. Overall, the data illustrates a district with generally low crime levels but specific pockets of concern that require attention.

June 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with several categories experiencing significant changes. Other crime increased by 200%, rising from 4 to 12 incidents, a jump that may reflect heightened awareness or reporting during the summer months. Robbery also doubled, with four incidents reported—up from two in May—though this remains a rare occurrence given the overall low rate. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 57.1%, dropping from seven to three, a decline that could indicate successful community initiatives or reduced illicit activity in public spaces. Shoplifting, typically a concern in retail areas, decreased by 44.4%, from 18 to 10 cases, linked to seasonal retail patterns or increased security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained 42% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in managing public conduct, while violent crime was 42% below the national average, suggesting effective local policing strategies in high-risk areas.

West Lancashire’s crime rate in June 2023 fell by 2.4% compared to May 2023, reflecting a slight decline in overall criminal activity. This reduction, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of summer months, when tourism and longer daylight hours may deter certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 23 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with local rhythms, highlights the persistent presence of crime in daily life. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 178 residents underscores the relatively low risk compared to national averages. However, this statistic should be contextualised within the area’s demographic profile: a largely rural district with pockets of urban centres, where community engagement and local policing may contribute to maintaining lower crime levels. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, despite the overall decline, specific categories—such as anti-social behaviour—remain high, suggesting targeted interventions may still be necessary.