Skelmersdale Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Skelmersdale's overall crime rate stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.3% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a blend of violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 39.6% of all incidents (80 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). The area's crime profile aligns with its status as a built-up area within West Lancashire, where retail and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crime. Seasonal factors, such as the winter lull in outdoor activity, likely played a role in shaping these trends, though the sharp increase in vehicle crime remains unexplained by broader seasonal patterns. While the rate of violence and sexual offences was 3% above the UK average (2.3 per 1,000), anti-social behaviour was 23% below the national average (0.9 per 1,000), suggesting a mix of local and national influences. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) may indicate effective local deterrents, though the 50% monthly increase from 4 to 6 cases raises questions about underlying factors. These data points illustrate the combination of local demographics, environmental factors, and broader national crime trends in shaping Skelmersdale's monthly crime profile.

February 2026 saw a sharp increase in vehicle crime, jumping from 5 to 17 incidents—a 240% rise—marking the most significant monthly change. This surge may be linked to the area's commuter routes or changes in local traffic patterns. Bicycle theft also doubled, rising from 1 to 2 incidents, suggesting a need for enhanced security measures for cyclists. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 42.1%, from 38 to 22 incidents, possibly reflecting the impact of winter weather on public gatherings. Skelmersdale's vehicle crime rate (0.5 per 1,000) was 43% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), highlighting a localised trend that contrasts with the national picture. Meanwhile, shoplifting incidents rose by 50%, from 4 to 6, though they remained 66% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000). These shifts underscore the importance of tailored strategies to address specific crime types.

Skelmersdale's crime rate in February 2026 dropped to 6.0 per 1,000 residents, a 17.9% decrease from the previous month's 7.3 per 1,000. This shift suggests a potential seasonal trend as winter gives way to early spring, with reduced outdoor activity and fewer social gatherings. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 7 crimes reported each day, a figure that translates to one crime occurring for roughly every 167 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is lower than the previous month, it remains a useful metric for understanding the frequency of incidents in a local context. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the overall reduction, certain crime types—such as vehicle crime—showed significant increases, which may warrant closer attention from local authorities and residents alike.