Ormskirk Crime Rate

Ormskirk Crime Overview

Ormskirk currently enjoys an exceptionally high level of safety, with an overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This is further reflected in the town's impressive safety score of 87/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78. Most importantly, the crime trend in Ormskirk is decreasing, with a notable year-over-year reduction of 6.7%. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 14.8 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that Ormskirk is one of the safest urban settlements in West Lancashire, making it an attractive location for families and individuals seeking a secure and peaceful environment. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the local crime landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Ormskirk

Ormskirk's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 33.3% and shoplifting at 8.7%. Together, these three categories make up over 75% of the total crime in the area.

Property crime in Ormskirk is exceptionally low, with a rate of 14.8 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK national average of 32.9. This total includes shoplifting (8.7%), other theft (3.8%), criminal damage and arson (6.4%), and vehicle crime (2.1%). Burglary is also relatively rare, accounting for only 3.3% of total reported crimes. For residents, this suggests that while personal safety and anti-social behaviour are the primary concerns for local authorities, the risk to homes and vehicles is significantly lower than in most other UK urban settlements. The substantial decreasing trend in overall crime further reinforces Ormskirk's reputation as a very safe market town.

Ormskirk Crime Trends

The crime trend in Ormskirk is currently very positive, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 6.7%. This downward trajectory indicates that the town is becoming safer over time and remains an exceptionally secure residential environment.

Looking at the monthly data for 2024 and 2025, the crime rate has remained consistently low. The lowest point was in January 2025, recording a rate of 3.8 per 1,000. While there was a slight seasonal increase during the spring months—peaking at 6.9 in April 2025—the rate quickly settled back to 4.5 by October 2025. This stability across the year is a strong indicator of a safe and well-managed market town.

How To Keep Safe in Ormskirk

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ormskirk, accounting for over 33% of all reports. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: When walking through the town centre or near the university, stay alert to your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Your Property: Given that burglary and vehicle crime peak at night, always ensure your home is locked and your car is parked in a well-lit area or garage if possible.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is a frequent issue; reporting these incidents promptly helps local authorities manage public spaces effectively.
4. Utilise Well-Lit Routes: When walking at night, stick to main roads and paths that are well-lit, avoiding shortcuts through isolated parks or unlit areas.
5. Install Smart Home Lighting: Use timed or motion-activated lighting around your home to deter potential intruders and increase visibility during the evening hours.

Ormskirk Crime Timing Patterns

Crime in Ormskirk follows specific temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern at 37%, followed by vehicle crime at 11%. Afternoon hours see theft-related offences rise to 39%, while burglary also reaches 23% of activity in this period.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—make up 56% of total reports. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) shows a dramatic shift toward property crime, with burglary surging to 26% and vehicle crime to 26% of all incidents. This suggests that while daytime activity is largely focused on retail and commercial theft, the hours of darkness pose a very specific and significant risk to homeowners and vehicle owners.

Nearby Areas Comparison

In the local context of West Lancashire, Ormskirk (58.2) is a very safe urban option. It has a significantly lower crime rate than neighbouring Burscough (79.4). The surrounding rural areas of Aughton, Ring o' Bells, and Drummersdale all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, reflecting the extreme safety of the Lancashire countryside. However, despite being the busiest area in the vicinity, Ormskirk’s crime rate remains well below the national average. For those seeking the amenities of a historic market town with a level of safety that rivals many rural areas, Ormskirk offers an excellent balance compared to other settlements in the region.

Proactive Security in Ormskirk

While Ormskirk is statistically one of the safest areas in the region, its property crime rate of 14.8 per 1,000 still presents risks, particularly regarding burglary and vehicle crime, which together account for 5.4% of all incidents. Burglary and vehicle crime both peak during the night-time hours when properties are most vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as basic cameras or alarms, often only alert you after a crime has been committed.

For residents who want the highest level of protection, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution. By monitoring camera feeds in real-time, scOS can identify a potential intruder or car thief at the boundary of your property. Instead of just recording the incident, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to stop the crime before it happens. In an area like Ormskirk, where overall crime is decreasing but property protection remains a priority, scOS provides the proactive deterrence needed to ensure your home remains a hard target.