West Lancashire Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

West Lancashire’s crime rate for September 2024 was 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 22.1% below the UK average of 7.7. This relative safety, while notable, is not uniform across crime types. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent, accounting for 32.5% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (30.1%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely influenced these trends, with increased foot traffic in town centres potentially contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. However, the area’s lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (56% below UK) and vehicle crime (33% below) suggest effective community policing or environmental measures. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with property crimes comprising 29.7% of total incidents, compared to 32.5% for violent crimes. This mix may reflect the district’s mix of rural and semi-urban areas, where property-focused crimes are less common than in densely populated urban centres. While the overall rate remains low, the 5.3% monthly increase from August highlights the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends, particularly in categories like burglary and robbery, which saw significant rises.

September 2024 saw a 31.3% increase in burglary compared to August, with 42 incidents reported—up from 32. This rise may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased home occupancy during the school term or targeted activity in areas with higher property values. Robbery rates also surged by 60%, from 5 to 8 incidents, a spike that could be linked to the influx of university students returning to the area. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 55.9%, from 34 to 15, due to the waning of summer social gatherings. Anti-social behaviour remained 54% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in communities with high population density or limited youth engagement opportunities. The sharp 56% decrease in shoplifting—down from 43 to 36 cases—suggests effective policing or seasonal deterrence.

West Lancashire’s crime rate in September 2024 rose by 5.3% compared to the previous month, climbing from 5.7 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns as the area transitions from summer to autumn. Locally, 24 crimes were reported per day on average, highlighting the ongoing presence of criminal activity despite the area’s overall safety relative to the UK. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 167 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for households. While this rate remains well below the UK average, the rise in specific categories such as burglary and robbery suggests evolving challenges. The population context further illustrates that, with 121,995 residents, the absolute number of crimes—730—translates to a manageable scale when spread across the district’s communities.