West Lancashire Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In June 2024, West Lancashire recorded 682 crimes, equating to one reported incident for every 179 residents. This figure, while significant, places the area 31.7% below the UK average crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000, highlighting a consistent trend of lower-than-average criminal activity. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (251 incidents, 36.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (214 incidents, 31.4%) and criminal damage and arson (44 incidents, 6.5%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a largely rural district, where property crimes and violent incidents may be influenced by seasonal factors such as the start of the summer tourist season. The rise in anti-social behaviour—24.1% higher than May—suggests that increased social activity in public spaces during June may contribute to this category’s growth. Meanwhile, violent crimes remain 24% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s lower population density and reduced urbanisation. The data also shows that categories like burglary and public order offences are significantly below UK averages, with burglary at 0.3 per 1,000 (matching the UK rate) and public order at 0.3 per 1,000 (51% below the UK average). This suggests that localised factors, such as community policing efforts or environmental design, may be playing a role in mitigating certain types of crime. The seasonal context of June—longer daylight hours and the beginning of tourism—may further explain fluctuations in crime types, with anti-social behaviour and violence linked to increased social interactions in open spaces.

June 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), likely linked to increased summer cycling activity. Robbery also rose by 50%, a spike that may reflect heightened foot traffic in retail areas during the early tourist season. Anti-social behaviour increased by 24.1% (29 to 36 incidents), a trend that contrasts with the broader decline in overall crime rates. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 50% (from 10 to 5 incidents), potentially reflecting the impact of local initiatives or seasonal changes in community engagement. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences (251 incidents) remain the most common category, but they are 24% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Conversely, anti-social behaviour is 29% above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000, suggesting a localised challenge in managing public conduct during summer months. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal activity and crime dynamics in the area.

West Lancashire's crime rate in June 2024 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, a 7.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.0. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as June marks the start of summer when tourism in rural areas often increases, potentially shifting crime dynamics. Daily crime activity averaged 23 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported crime in a way that reflects local rhythms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 179 residents, a statistic that provides a tangible sense of monthly exposure. When compared to the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, West Lancashire’s rate remains lower, with the gap widening further this year. This suggests a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels, possibly influenced by the area’s character as a largely rural district with limited urban density. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the total number of crimes, the rate remains proportionally lower than national benchmarks, reinforcing the area’s relative safety profile.