As crime rates escalate across the nation amid economic difficulties, there’s a growing focus on safety within our communities. This is especially true in the North West of England, a region that has consistently reported higher crime rates, second only to London. In our upcoming detailed analysis, we’ll identify and discuss the 25 most dangerous areas in the North West. We’ll break down the specific types of crime and provide essential statistics, giving you valuable insight into what these trends could mean for residents and those considering making these areas their home. This article is designed to inform and equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of living in or moving to this region.
Crime in the North West of England: An Overview
The North West of England, known for its vibrant culture and economic significance, is home to popular coastal destinations like Blackpool and Southport, as well as major cities such as Manchester and Liverpool. These areas offer a diverse mix of traditional charm and modern living. However, this diversity also includes a significant amount of criminal activity. Recent statistics show that the North West has a crime rate of 101.9 offenses per 1,000 residents, positioning it as one of the most challenging regions in the UK, with a total of 766,158 criminal offenses recorded last year.
The data highlights a distressing rise in violent crime, with 308,799 reported incidents marking a major concern across the region. Theft follows, with 198,577 incidents, along with public order offenses at 92,148 incidents. Additionally troubling are the increases in drug-related crimes, which have seen a 23% increase to 31,949 incidents, shoplifting, which is up by 13% at 42,372 incidents, and weapon possession, up by 10% to 9,084 incidents. These trends indicate broader societal issues, including the ongoing struggles with the cost of living that may be influencing these crime rates.
Revealed: The 25 Most Dangerous Places In The North West
Rising crime figures are increasingly concerning across the North West, with some locales experiencing more severe impacts than others. This article examines the most concerning areas for your safety and security.
25. Bamber Bridge & Lostock Hall
Overall Crime Rate Of 111.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located just outside Preston, Bamber Bridge along with Lostock Hall reports a high crime rate of 111.1 per 1000 people. Leading the statistics are high instances of antisocial behavior, violent crimes, and criminal damage, making it one of the region’s hotspots for crime.
24. Wigan
Overall Crime Rate Of 111.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Wigan, known for its rich sporting and industrial heritage, is also grappling with significant crime challenges. With a crime rate of 111.2 per 1000 people, the area sees a high number of violent crimes, thefts, and public order offenses, posing considerable risks for its residents.
23. Barrow-in-Furness
Overall Crime Rate Of 113.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Situated at the northwestern tip, Barrow-in-Furness records a crime rate of 113.3 per 1000 people. The main concerns here include violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage.
22. Workington & Salterbeck
Overall Crime Rate Of 113.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its picturesque setting near the Lake District, Workington along with Salterbeck enters our list with a crime rate of 113.5 per 1000 people. The primary issues include high rates of violent crime, criminal damage, and antisocial behavior.
21. Leyland
Overall Crime Rate Of 115.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Surprisingly, Leyland, renowned for its automotive and haulage history, faces a substantial crime rate of 115.4 per 1000 people. The small town struggles with violent crimes, antisocial behavior, and a notable amount of shoplifting.
20. Newton-le-Willows
Overall Crime Rate Of 115.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its sporting popularity, Newton-le-Willows reports a crime rate of 115.7 per 1000 people. Key issues include violent crimes, public order offenses, and antisocial behavior, all requiring urgent attention.
19. Whitehaven
Overall Crime Rate Of 116.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Whitehaven, often visited for its coastal charm, conceals a darker reality with a crime rate of 116.5 per 1000 people. High numbers of violent crimes, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage are particularly concerning.
18. Ulverston
Overall Crime Rate Of 123 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known as a vibrant party location, Ulverston also struggles with crime, reporting a rate of 123 per 1000 people. Violent crimes make up a significant portion of the total, alongside growing rates of antisocial behavior, criminal damage, and burglary.
17. Preston
Preston Crime Stats
Preston, recently designated as one of the UK’s cities, has seen significant urban renewal yet struggles with a high crime rate of 124.5 per 1000 people. The city faces major issues with antisocial behavior, recording 2810 incidents, and violent crime, with 2456 reported offenses. Additionally, the frequencies of shoplifting, hitting 963 incidents, and drug-related offenses, totaling 237, highlight a troubling trend.
16. Morecambe
Overall Crime Rate Of 125.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Morecambe, renowned for its picturesque Bay area with views over the Irish Sea, faces a crime rate of 125.2 per 1000 people, overshadowing its scenic appeal. The area is grappling with increasing instances of violent crime (1387 offenses), antisocial behavior (1350 offenses), and criminal damage (485 offenses).
15. Oldham
Overall Crime Rate Of 126.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Oldham, a town that has risen in both stature and notoriety, reports a crime rate of 126.1 per 1000 people. The town is particularly affected by violent crime, with 12,540 incidents making up nearly half of all reported offenses. Theft and public order offenses also present significant concerns, with 7571 and 3651 incidents respectively.
14. Kirkby
Overall Crime Rate Of 127 Crimes Per 1000 People
Kirkby, one of Merseyside’s oldest towns, has evolved into a bustling urban center but not without a cost — a crime rate of 127 per 1000 people. Detailed statistics reveal significant issues with violent crime (2193 offenses), criminal damage (563 offenses), and drug-related offenses (446 offenses).
13. Penrith
Overall Crime Rate Of 128.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Penrith lies on the edge of the Lake District and presents a troubling crime rate of 128.6 per 1000 people, which is high for such a picturesque location. The area is mostly afflicted by violent crime (735 incidents), which constitutes nearly 40% of all crimes, with antisocial behavior and public order offenses also prominent.
12. Darwen
Overall Crime Rate Of 129.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
In the rural setting of Darwen, adjacent to Blackburn, the crime rate is a significant concern at 129.5 per 1000 people. Key issues include violent crime (1249 offenses) and antisocial behavior (1020 offenses), with criminal damage also on the rise (249 offenses).
11. Burnley
Overall Crime Rate Of 129.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Burnley, a popular town within Lancashire, continues to battle a high crime rate of 129.9 per 1000 residents. The town suffers from an increase in violent crime (4137 offenses), theft (3250 offenses), and criminal damage (1305 offenses), highlighting the critical need for effective security measures.
10. Carlisle
Overall Crime Rate Of 134.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Carlisle, often seen as the gateway to Scotland, finds itself in the top ten most dangerous areas of the North West with a crime rate of 134.4 per 1000 residents. The most common issues are violent crime (3752 incidents), with noticeable increases in antisocial behavior (1215 incidents) and criminal damage (1059 incidents).
9. Salford
Crime Rate: 135.2 per 1000 Residents
Salford is central to the cultural and media pulse of Greater Manchester, yet its crime rate presents a significant concern. The city reports a high number of violent crimes, with 13,352 incidents, followed by 9,101 theft-related cases, and 3,987 public order offences, highlighting a critical area of focus for improving local safety.
8. Fleetwood
Crime Rate: 138 per 1000 Residents
Known for its beautiful seaside views and as a beloved vacation spot, Fleetwood presents a contrasting narrative with a crime rate of 138 per 1000 people. Violent crimes dominate the statistics, comprising one-third of the reported incidents, alongside noticeable rates of antisocial behavior and shoplifting, challenging the town’s serene image.
7. Blackburn
Crime Rate: 139.2 per 1000 Residents
While Blackburn is celebrated for its historic football achievements, it grapples with a high crime rate, including a troubling amount of violent crimes, thefts, and instances of criminal damage. This tarnishes the town’s otherwise sporty reputation.
6. Blackpool
Crime Rate: 139.2 per 1000 Residents
Famous for its vibrant tourist attractions like the Illuminations and seaside amenities, Blackpool faces a stark reality with a high crime rate. Dominated by violent crimes and significant numbers in antisocial behavior and shoplifting, the local crime scene poses challenges to its festive image.
5. Haydock
Crime Rate: 148.1 per 1000 Residents
Despite being renowned for its racecourse, Haydock encounters substantial crime issues, including high rates of violent crime, public order offences, and antisocial behavior, overshadowing its national acclaim.
4. Crewe
Crime Rate: 156.2 per 1000 Residents
Crewe’s industrial significance is marred by a rising crime rate, placing it among the top five risk areas in the North West. The statistics reveal a troubling spread across violent crime, antisocial behavior, and shoplifting, reflecting urgent safety concerns.
3. Liverpool
Crime Rate: 159.5 per 1000 Residents
Liverpool, a cultural and commercial hub, competes with major cities in terms of influence but struggles with high crime rates, particularly in violent crime, theft, and public order offences. This complicates the living and business environments in the city.
2. Manchester
Crime Rate: 174.7 per 1000 Residents
Manchester, the “capital of the North,” is not only a cultural and economic powerhouse but also a city facing severe safety challenges. With a particularly high rate of violent crimes, which are a significant portion of the city’s total crimes, along with theft and criminal damage, the city’s safety issues are as prominent as its cultural footprint.
1. Accrington
Crime Rate: 180.1 per 1000 Residents
Accrington tops the list with the highest crime rate in the North West, surprising many given its lesser-known status compared to larger cities. The town struggles with violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage, highlighting critical areas for community and law enforcement focus.
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Crime Trends Across The North West
Despite the unsettling nature of our rankings for the most hazardous locales in the North West, the overall crime figures bring a spark of optimism. The region saw a decrease in crime by 4%, with the total number of offences dropping to 766,158 in the latest year from 802,055 the previous year.
A deeper look at the statistics reveals significant declines in several serious categories. Homicides fell by 17%, decreasing from 88 to 73 incidents. Burglaries also saw a substantial reduction, with incidents falling by 16% from 42,916 to 36,105. Additionally, public order offences decreased by 14%, from 107,555 incidents down to 92,148.
On the other hand, there were noticeable increases in several categories of crime. Offences related to weapon possession rose to 9,084 from 8,286, and shoplifting increased to 42,372 incidents from 37,655, marking increases well over 10%. Thefts directly from individuals rose by 7%, with the figures moving from 9,986 to 10,678.
The most alarming escalation was observed in drug offences, which surged by over 23%. The number of these offences climbed from 26,023 in the previous year to 31,949, encompassing both possession and distribution of illegal substances.
Weapon Crimes Across The North West
While overall crime remains a concern across the UK, recent years have seen a promising reduction in weapon-related offenses. Notably, incidents involving knives have decreased by 6%, and gun-related crimes have fallen by 13% throughout 2023. Efforts like those spearheaded by The Ben Kinsella Trust are set to further curb these numbers. Despite these improvements, the North West recorded nearly 4,000 weapon-related incidents last year, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and continued intervention in these communities.
Our Crime Statistic Methodology
To ensure accuracy and transparency in our crime statistics, we utilize open-source police data along with the most recent ONS Census information. We present our findings in terms of crimes per 1,000 residents, which helps normalize data across areas of varying sizes and population densities. This method not only makes the statistics more relatable but also accounts for critical factors such as the geographical and demographic specifics of each area.