Skelmersdale Crime Rate

Skelmersdale, the largest town in West Lancashire, has an overall crime rate of 111.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its safety score of 75/100. Despite the higher volume of reports, the crime trend is currently stable, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.8%. Interestingly, while the total crime rate is elevated, the property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000 is actually lower than the national average of 32.9. This suggests that much of the recorded activity is related to public order and anti-social behaviour rather than targeted theft against homeowners. For the 33,714 residents of Skelmersdale, understanding these nuances is key to maintaining personal and property safety in an urban environment.

Crime Breakdown in Skelmersdale

Skelmersdale's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.6% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 39.8 per 1,000 people. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 27.9% and criminal damage and arson at 8.0%. These three categories represent the vast majority of local police activity, often concentrated in the town's high-density residential areas and commercial centres.

The property crime rate in Skelmersdale is 27.8 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it represents a significant volume of activity for the area. Other theft (5.1%), shoplifting (3.9%), and burglary (3.4%) are the most common property-related offences. Vehicle crime also accounts for 3.2% of total incidents. For residents, this indicates a moderate risk of opportunistic theft. The data suggests that properties and vehicles are most vulnerable when left unsecured, particularly in areas with high footfall or near the town's extensive pedestrian underpass and walkway network, which can sometimes provide cover for illicit activity.

Crime Trends in Skelmersdale

The crime trend in Skelmersdale is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of -0.8%. This suggests that the town's safety profile is consistent, with no significant increase in criminal activity over the last twelve months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated from a low of 7.4 in February 2025 to a peak of 12.6 in July 2025.

The peak in July (12.6) and the generally higher rates in April (11.0) and May (10.1) align with national trends where warmer weather often leads to an increase in reported incidents, particularly anti-social behaviour. Following this summer spike, the rate returned to more moderate levels, ending at 8.7 in October 2025. For residents, this stability is encouraging, as it indicates that the local authorities are managing crime levels effectively, keeping them within a predictable range despite the town's urban challenges.

How To Keep Safe in Skelmersdale

The highest crime type in Skelmersdale is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.6% of all recorded incidents. To stay safe, it is recommended to stay in well-lit areas when walking at night and to be mindful of your surroundings, especially near the town's many pedestrian pathways and underpasses.

Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor (27.9%). If you encounter large groups or rowdy behaviour, it is best to keep your distance and avoid confrontation. Reporting such incidents to the local council or police helps authorities allocate resources to the areas that need them most.

For property safety, given that criminal damage (8.0%) is the third most common crime, ensure that your home's exterior is well-protected. Use motion-sensor lighting and keep gates or fences in good repair to discourage trespassing. Since vehicle crime peaks at night, always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items—even low-value ones—inside the cabin. Participating in local community safety forums can also keep you informed about specific hotspots in your neighbourhood.

Skelmersdale's crime data shows clear time-based trends that residents should be aware of. The afternoon and evening are the busiest periods for general crime, often driven by anti-social behaviour and public order offences in commercial and public areas. However, the night-time period (12am-6am) presents a different set of risks.

During the night, vehicle crime accounts for 31% of incidents, and burglary represents 22%. This indicates that while overall volume might be lower, the risk to private property and vehicles is at its peak while residents are asleep. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is also a high-risk time for burglary (21%), likely targeting homes while residents are at work or school. Conversely, the morning hours (6am-12pm) are more associated with 'Other' offences and theft. These patterns suggest that security measures should be most active during the afternoon and overnight to provide the best protection against property-related crime.

In the context of the local region, Skelmersdale (111.5 crimes per 1,000) is the most active area compared to its quieter neighbours. It has a significantly higher crime rate than nearby Parbold (47.3) and Newburgh (39.0), both of which are more rural in character. It also records more incidents than Orrell (22.2). While these figures might seem high, they are typical for a major urban centre with high population density and significant commercial activity. For residents, Skelmersdale offers the amenities of a large town, but requires a more proactive approach to security than the surrounding West Lancashire villages.

In an urban environment like Skelmersdale, property security needs to be more than just a camera on the wall. With a property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000, homeowners face a persistent risk of opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or, worse, entered your home.

scOS provides a proactive alternative designed for real-world protection. By using AI to monitor multiple camera feeds simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a neighbour, a delivery driver, and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and deterring the criminal before they even reach your door. For Skelmersdale residents, where vehicle crime is also a concern at night, scOS's ability to verify number plates and watch over driveways 24/7 offers a level of professional-grade security that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match.