Skelmersdale Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, reveal a crime rate of 112.0 per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a complex interplay of local factors. While the area demonstrates a stable crime rate year-on-year, with a 1.0% increase, understanding the specific types of crimes occurring is crucial for residents and local authorities. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime trends and offers practical advice to enhance personal safety within Skelmersdale.

Skelmersdale's crime statistics for the period January to December 2025 reveal a concerning pattern, with violence and sexual offences representing the largest proportion of recorded crimes (35.5%, 1342 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind (27.8%, 1050 incidents), highlighting potential issues with community cohesion and public order. Criminal damage and arson contribute a further 8.2% (310 crimes), indicating property vulnerability and potential vandalism. Overall property crime accounts for 27.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure that warrants attention given the area's demographics and local environment. The prevalence of these crime types suggests a need for targeted interventions and community-based initiatives to address the underlying causes.

Crime rates in Skelmersdale have remained largely stable between January and December 2025, showing a marginal increase of 1.0% year-on-year. Monthly fluctuations are observed, with a peak in crime reported in July 2025 (12.6 per 1,000), followed by a gradual decrease towards the end of the year. For example, the rate dropped from 11.0 per 1,000 in April to 8.7 per 1,000 in October, suggesting seasonal or cyclical patterns in criminal activity. While this represents a stable trend, continued monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial to prevent any significant upward shift.

How To Keep Safe in Skelmersdale

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s advisable to be particularly vigilant when out alone, especially at night. Avoid walking through poorly lit or isolated areas and consider travelling with a companion. With anti-social behaviour also being a significant concern, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your property thoroughly, ensuring all doors and windows are locked and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to minimise the risk of theft, particularly 'other theft' which accounts for a significant portion of incidents.

Throughout Skelmersdale, burglary is most common during the afternoon (19%), while vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (30%). Theft sees a significant spike in the afternoon (41%), coinciding with peak commercial hours. Violence tends to occur more frequently during the evening (15%), and property crime is generally higher during the morning and afternoon periods. Understanding these patterns can help residents and businesses adjust their behaviours and security measures accordingly.

When compared to neighbouring areas, Skelmersdale’s crime rate sits between Newburgh (35.1 per 1,000) and Orrell (22.4 per 1,000), indicating a higher level of recorded crime than some nearby locations but significantly more than Ring o’ Bells (0.0 per 1,000). Parbold’s rate (45.3 per 1,000) demonstrates a more concerning trend, highlighting the variability in safety across West Lancashire.

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