Skelmersdale Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Skelmersdale’s crime profile in September 2023 was dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.9% of all reported crimes. This category alone was 28% above the UK average, with 117 incidents recorded at a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 28.7% of total crimes and exceeding the UK average by 101%. These two categories combined make up over 65% of the area’s crime burden, a pattern consistent with the characteristics of a built-up area with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to local institutions and the transition from summer to autumn—may have influenced the rise in public order offences and anti-social behaviour. While property crimes such as burglary and criminal damage were also reported, they accounted for a smaller share of the total (13.9%) compared to violent and anti-social incidents. This imbalance suggests that personal safety concerns, particularly in public spaces, are a pressing issue for residents. The area’s crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents places it 17.5% above the UK average, a gap that has remained relatively stable despite fluctuations in specific categories. This persistent disparity may be linked to local factors such as the concentration of retail and leisure facilities, which can contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The data also highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where violence and anti-social behaviour are concentrated, particularly during the academic term when foot traffic and social interactions increase.

September 2023 saw a dramatic 157.1% increase in public order offences, rising from 7 to 18 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in bicycle theft, suggests heightened tensions or activity in public spaces during the month. Anti-social behaviour remained high, at 101% above the UK average, with 91 incidents reported. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 80% compared to August, though this may reflect temporary reductions rather than long-term trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.9% of all crimes, a category that is 28% above the UK average. The sharp contrast between rising public order offences and falling weapon possession highlights shifting dynamics in local crime patterns. These figures may be influenced by the start of the academic term, as back-to-school and university freshers events draw larger crowds to the area.

Skelmersdale's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a 6.7% increase from the previous month’s 8.8 per 1,000. This places the area 17.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap that has persisted despite fluctuating local patterns. Daily crime figures show 11 reported incidents per day in September, a rate that, while not unusual for a built-up area, highlights the need for consistent community engagement. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 106 residents, a monthly exposure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 33,714. This rate is higher than the UK average but aligns with the area’s profile as a mixed-use town with retail and residential zones. The shift from August to September reflects seasonal factors, such as the return of students to local institutions, which may partly explain the rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences.