A key consideration when weighing up your options for an area to move to, crime statistics are an integral part of deciding whether or not an area is appropriate for you, your business or your family. They’re among the best indicators of safety, security, and stability.
Crime is prevalent throughout the UK, and understanding how that factors into the overall makeup of a region or district is integral to making an informed and ultimately right decision for you. At Churchill Support Services, that’s something we understand as well as anyone, particularly given our pedigree as one of the UK’s leading and longest-standing security providers.
With this article, we’ll break down crime statistics for England’s North West, a key hub for culture and commerce, as well as what you can expect in terms of criminal activity from the region’s key towns, cities and areas.
We aim to provide as objective and factual an overview of crime in the North West as possible, so we take our figures from open-source police data, as well as from independent aggregation firm Brighton Analytics.
We’ll then display this as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1,000 people living in the area. This allows us to account for key variables like population and the size of an area, so you can make both an informed and accurate decision for the future of your family and business.
Of course, this will differ for each city, town and area across the North West, so you’ll find statistics specific to each of these in their own section, as well as a breakdown for the region as a whole.
Due to issues with IT and reporting software across Greater Manchester Police, the information we’ve used here to illustrate the issues with crime across towns and cities in Greater Manchester is incomplete. We’ve been able to find some data through the Government website, but this is understandably not the full picture.
This affects the crime statistics for:
In the interests of clarity and transparency, we’ve used this data and extrapolated it using existing information on the Police website. This will still be displayed as a ratio of crimes per 1000 people, and highlight key areas of concern, but numbers may not necessarily be reflective of all the crime that happens in that area.
The North West of England is, in spite of its relatively small area size, a thriving hub for the whole of the UK. A rugged coastline that encompasses everything from the bustling Albert docks at Liverpool, to the rolling dunes and sandbanks of Morecambe and Blackpool, North Western England has its undoubted coastal merits.
Further inland, we find burgeoning retail and business hubs in the cities of Manchester and Preston, as well as the winding country lanes and chocolate box villages of Cumbria and Cheshire. It’s a juxtaposition that truly captures the essence of England, and it’s no surprise that it attracts both home buyers and visitors in equal measure.
Sadly though, it’s this soaring popularity that contributes towards the region’s similarly soaring crime rate of 107.5 crimes per 1000 people living in the area. This means that, across the North West, almost 11% of people can expect to be a victim of crime.
Over the last year, the North West saw 798,192 separate offences, which is the highest figure outside of London. Of these, there were significant numbers over violent crime (324,124 offences) and theft (199,916 offences), as well as substantial concern across public order offences (106,422 incidents), too.
Of course, while these statistics make for grim reading for anyone considering the area, these are just an overview, and aren’t the same across every part of the region. We’ll now break down a few of the key towns and cities across the North West, and how their individual rates stack up against the regional average.
One of Lancashire’s more famed sporting towns thanks to its eponymous football team, Accrington offers an interesting glimpse into the history of its county thanks to its storied heritage that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era. However, as historic a town as it is, that’s undercut significantly by an alarming crime rate of 120.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, there’s substantial numbers across violent crime (1995 offences), antisocial behaviour (1765 offences) and criminal damage (462 offences), all of which prompt concern for Accrington security.
One of Lancashire’s largest and most sprawling villages, Bamber Bridge acts as both a key feeder area for the larger cities it borders, as well as a thriving market area for its residents. Plus, with a crime that’s almost half the regional average at just 56.2 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s undoubtedly got its attractions for families and businesses alike.
That’s not to say the village is crime free, however. The area still faces issues with violent crime (1947 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1539 incidents) and criminal damage (507 incidents), although the exceptionally low rate of theft from the person (11 incidents) does highlight the stellar work in both policing and Bamber Bridge security companies.
A flourishing port town on Cumbria’s overhanging coastline, Barrow-in-Furness is bordered on all sides by some of England’s most prominent bay areas, holding almost a point of isolation on the county’s Furness peninsula. That seclusion doesn’t equate to safety, though, with the town seeing a crime rate of 111.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
With high rates across violent crime (3265 incidents), antisocial behaviour (876 incidents) and public order offences (769 incidents), there’s substantial cause for concern across all aspects of security in Barrow-in-Furness.
Home to one of England’s most desirable postcodes, the Merseyside town of Bebington couples a close proximity to a major city with good employment opportunities, excellent schools and great business opportunities. Plus, with a comparatively low crime rate of 64.5 crimes per 1000 residents, there’s much to attract people to Bebington.
Of course, the town still has its issues, namely in violent crime (1667 incidents), public order offences (607 incidents), and antisocial behaviour (441 incidents), all of which do indicate a need for effective Bebington security services.
Just across the Mersey from its closest neighbour in Liverpool, the town of Birkenhead occupies a much sought-after spot on the Wirral, and provides superb transport links to the city. However, what’s not quite as appealing a prospect is the town’s climbing crime rate of 154.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Having seen a substantial increase over 2021’s figures, Birkenhead sees soaring numbers across zits rates of violent crime (6092 incidents), public order offences (2243 incidents) and criminal damage (1516 incidents).
As Lancashire’s leading industrial town, Blackburn owes much of its modern-day success to its history across the Industrial Revolution and the blossoming textiles and railway sectors that took flight across the 1800s. That assiduous nature has translated to a crime rate that stays relatively consistent, at 97.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Despite that consistency, however, Blackburn’s issues lie in its significant rates of violent crime (5435 offences), antisocial behaviour (4628 offences), and criminal damage (1316 offences), all of which spark concern for security across the town.
A seaside jewel in Lancashire’s crown, Blackpool is synonymous with summer holidays, glittering illuminations and sticks of rock. It’s unfortunately got an additional reputation as one of the highest crime rates across its county, sitting at a colossal 161.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that ratio, we find rising numbers across violent crime (11,339 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (9926 incidents), but of equal concern are the mounting figures in drug offences (548 incidents) and weapon possession (305 incidents) which are over 130% higher than the regional average.
Set in the shade of the West Pennine Moors, the Greater Manchester town of Bolton sprawls across a huge swathe of the countryside, and encompasses a thriving market alongside culture and sport in a thoroughly Northern melting pot. However, with that popularity comes a substantial crime rate which sits at 127.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (7606 incidents) is the most common occurrence, but there’s equally concerning figures across both theft (4682 incidents) and public order offences (3007 incidents) that underline the need for effective Bolton security services and their coverage.
A major hub for Lancashire that’s retained a strong sense of its roots in industry and manufacturing, Burnley holds fast to that hard-working nature and enterprising spirit, and its people embody that. However, lurking beneath that persistent exterior is a crime rate that’s all too modern – 127.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that rate, we find substantial numbers across violent crime (5029 offences), antisocial behaviour (4469 offences), and criminal damage (1350 offences), as well as a rate of shoplifting (723 offences) that’s more than 80% higher than the regional average.
Perhaps most closely associated with the infamous black pudding, as well as its bustling, open-air market, Bury offers a rich and storied history alongside its undoubted culinary and commercial contributions. Unfortunately though, Bury also contributes negatively towards Greater Manchester’s crime rate, sitting at a sizeable 110.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Digging deeper, Bury’s main issue lie in its substantial rates of violent crime (4080 incidents), theft (2568 incidents) and public order offences (1677 incidents), all of which contribute towards the town’s key security concerns.
Straddling the border between its county Cumbria and Scotland, Carlisle offers an abundance to draw in its substantial tourist crowds, from the first vestiges of Hadrian’s Wall, to its iconic cathedral that dominates the skyline. What’s not quite a draw, however, is the city’s crime rate, which hovers at 116.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Both violent crime (4076 offences) and criminal damage (1339 offences) are the most prevalent forms of crime, but there’s equally warranted concern for the rate of robbery (56 offences), which is more than 1 and a half times the regional average.
Arguably one of the UK’s most historic cities, and a major attraction for its county of Cheshire, Chester’s crumbling city walls, period architecture and preserved castle provide subtle hints towards its ancient importance. In the modern world, it’s a thriving city with a worrying crime rate of 98.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of those soaring numbers, we see high rates of violent crime (4146 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1610 offences), but it’s Chester’s rate of theft from the person (75 offences) that shows an alarming trend at almost double Cheshire’s countywide average.
A seemingly quaint town that offers a sedate pace of life against the backdrop of Rivington Pike, Chorley combines an unexpected military history with an expanse of greenery in its country park. Alongside that, though, is an equally startling crime rate of 100.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that ratio, there’s soaring figures in violent crime (1843 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1655 incidents) and criminal damage (480 incidents), as well as a rate of shoplifting (315 incidents) that’s 75% higher than Lancashire’s average.
A major railway hub for both Cheshire and the wider UK, Crewe’s background in train travel and production is arguably what brings in its yearly influx of visitors, alongside its good sense of English heritage. Not quite as attractive, however, is Crewe’s substantial crime rate of 104.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, there’s substantial stats across 3 key types of crime – violent crime (3951 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1333 incidents) and public order offences (1173 incidents), all of which are above the county’s average figures.
Most known for its enigmatic statues along its sandy seafront, the Merseyside town of Crosby harbours one of the county’s longest stretches of coastline, reaching from just north of Liverpool to as far as Southport. Given the town’s idyllic backdrop, it’s no surprise the crime rate is below the regional average at 83.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, that’s not to say the town has no issues with crime. There’s still figures across both violent crime (1959 incidents) and public order offences (577 incidents), as well as a rate of bicycle theft (63 incidents) that’s 10% higher than the region’s average.
One of Merseyside’s more historic towns, alongside one of its more rapidly growing, Kirkby has evolved significantly since its humble roots as a small settlement in the Bronze Age. With that evolution comes an equally developed crime rate, which now sits at 117.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
The town’s key issues stem from high rates of violent crime (2224 incidents), public order offences (767 incidents) and drug offences (611 incidents), all of which underscore the need for effective security in Kirkby.
One of the UK’s most prominent university cities, Lancaster is also well-renowned as one of the country’s most historic too, especially given its ancient cathedral, castle and priory, all of which dominate the city’s skyline. Below that horizon hides a crime rate that’s close to the average for the North West, at 109.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (2334 offences) is the most prevalent issue for the city, but equally concerning are the high numbers across theft (1544 offences) and criminal damage (767 offences). All of these statistics further underline a pressing need to invest in Lancaster security services.
One of the UK’s most populous cities, Liverpool’s appeal is unparalleled across the country. A vibrant centre for culture and the arts, the city encompasses both a thriving sense of its heritage, as well as a thoroughly modern streak in its nightlife, its restaurants and its retail opportunities. Similarly modern is its alarmingly high crime rate, which peaked in the last year at 140.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, there’s startling numbers across violent crime (33,951 incidents), public order offences (13,049 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (7370 incidents), as well as a rate of theft from the person (1912 incidents) that’s 90% higher than the Merseyside average.
A chocolate box town nestled on the Lancashire coastline, Lytham St. Annes combines sandy stretches of beach with its trademark windmills and pier, as well as a crime rate that pairs well with that more serene pace of life – 50.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
That still represents a problem for Lytham security firms, however. Violent crime (1062 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1034 offences) are the two most prevalent issues, and while these are below the regional average, they represent an increase over the figures for the last 2 years.
One of Cheshire’s and the North West’s most prominent market towns, Macclesfield has an extensive and storied history in both industry and commerce. Nowadays, Macclesfield represents a homely option for businesses and families alike, and with a comparatively lower crime rate of 86.3 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s understandable why.
Of course, that’s still high in comparison to the UK’s average. The main contributing crimes towards that rate are violent crime (2386 incidents), antisocial behaviour (822 incidents) and public order offences (739 incidents), as well as a rate of vehicle crime (224 incidents) that’s 70% above the regional average for Cheshire.
A huge metropolis for the North West, and one of its key attractions, the magnetism of Manchester is undeniable. From treble winning football teams to some of the UK’s most iconic artists and bands, all coupled with a bustling retail scene and a major airport, the city’s popularity is undercut by its unignorable crime rate of 180.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (17,155 incidents) is the city’s most pressing problem, but climbing crime rates across theft (14,111 incidents) and public order offences (7420 incidents) also illustrate the need for investment in effective Manchester security services.
Best known for its stretches of amber coastline and sweeping views of the Irish Sea, Morecambe blends that stunning scenery with a beating heart of commerce and culture. However, undercutting that seaside popularity is a crime rate that rises above Lancashire’s average at 109.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that, we find substantial figures in antisocial behaviour (1963 offences), violent crime (1821 offences), and criminal damage (537 offences), alongside a rate of shoplifting (296 offences) that’s more than 70% higher than the regional average.
A picturesque parish on the banks of two merging rivers, Northwich has seen multiple developments in the last 2 decades that have fully modernised its parks, shops and leisure facilities. However, with that modernisation came an all-too-modern crime rate of 109.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
The town’s main issues lie in its high rates of violent crime (1157 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (511 incidents), but a soaring rate of shoplifting (295 incidents) is a pressing problem, especially as it’s more than 2 and a half times higher than the county average.
Oldham’s history as one of the UK’s leading textile and cotton producers has since fallen by the wayside, but has given way to a substantial regeneration project that’s set to modernise this Greater Manchester town. However, in that time, we’ve seen its climbing crime rate creep up to 125.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, we find significant numbers across violent crime (6465 offences), theft (3746 incidents) and public order offences (2342 incidents), all of which underscore the need for effective security across Oldham.
Often mistakenly considered to just be an extension of Merseyside’s larger cities, Prescot actually represents a hidden gem in terms of its retail and commerce opportunities, as well as its burgeoning economy. However, in spite of that expansion, its crime rate sullies that popularity, sitting at its highest level in years at 164.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Looking deeper into those stats, the town faces substantial problems with its rate of violent crime (853 incidents), public order offences (413 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (269 incidents), all of which are over 40% higher than the regional average.
Lancashire’s newest city, and home to a thriving university and emerging cultural scene, Preston has its undoubted draws for those considering the North West, especially in terms of its parklands and walking trails. Tainting those obvious attractions, however, is a crime rate that far exceeds the regional average at 127.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (7338 offences) remains Preston’s main issue, but with rising figures across antisocial behaviour (7286 offences) and criminal damage (2061 offences) further driving home the need for robust security in Preston, it pays to be diligent in researching an area for your home or business.
An unexpectedly historic corner of Greater Manchester, Rochdale pairs modern and avant-garde architecture with a keen sense of its heritage through buildings and monuments, all while being a home to many. A crime rate of 135.7 crimes per 1000 residents does, however, sully that popularity.
With notable numbers across violent crime (6228 incidents), theft (3166 incidents) and public order offences (2592 incidents), Rochdale still has a way to go before it dips below the countywide average.
One of the key industrial towns across Cheshire, and a major provider of energy and manufacturing to the North West, Runcorn’s roots are unsurprisingly deep-rooted in industry and production. But an undercurrent of crime stains that assiduous nature, sitting at 99.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
That rate is predominantly made up by three main types of crime – violent offences (3183 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1004 incidents) and public order offences (924 incidents), but drug offences (165 incidents) are also a concern, especially as they’re more than 85% higher than the region’s average.
A fast-growing residential area that rubs shoulders with the larger settlements of Manchester and Bolton, Salford is also in contention for entrepreneurs looking to set up their fledgling business. What should be considered first, however, is the area’s rate of crime – 135 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, we find substantial figures across violent crime (6506 incidents), as well as in theft (4207 incidents) and public order offences (2401 incidents), all of which underscore the need for effective Salford security to be in place.
A coastal hotspot for both Merseyside and the whole of the North West, Southport offers undulating dunes, seaside delights and fairground nostalgia in even measure. What it also offers, however, is an above average crime rate, which currently sits at 93.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (4279 incidents) is the main issue facing police forces and security in Southport, but rising numbers in public order offences (1263 incidents) and criminal damage (678 incidents) also underline the work that needs to be done to make Southport safer for families and businesses alike.
As with many Northern towns, St Helens has deep-lying roots in industry and manufacturing, but it’s the town’s more modern appeal across culture and sport that cements it as one of the more populous towns across all of Merseyside. Lurking beneath that exterior, though, is a soaring crime rate of 145 crimes per 1000 residents.
If we dig deeper, it’s clear where the issues lie for security in St Helens. Rampant numbers across violent crime (7146 incidents), public order offences (2518 incidents) and criminal damage (1615 incidents) represent the town’s key problems, as well as highlight what needs to change to make it more attractive to families and businesses.
Located on the merging point of multiple rivers and the Mersey, Stockport has one of the more decorated histories of Northern towns, dating back as far as the 12th century. Now thoroughly modernised, it attracts visitors and settlers alike, although uncovering a crime rate of 92.8 crimes per 1000 residents might be an overhanging negative.
Stockport has three main, major issues in terms of its crime rates – violent crime (5133 offences), theft (3869 offences), and public order incidents (2212 offences), all of which warrant increased focus from police and private Stockport security firms.
Perched at the mouth of the Mersey, Wallasey is one Merseyside’s larger town, although it’s perhaps best know for being an amalgam of areas that makes up the northern fringes of the Wirral, and that feed into the heart of Liverpool. Its size and population does, however, mean the town has a crime rate that’s higher than you’d anticipate at 102 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within those figures, there’s substantial issues across both violent crime (2979 incidents) and public order offences (1059 incidents), although there’s also concern for Wallasey’s rate of bicycle theft (79 incidents) which is 15% above the regional average.
A midpoint between the two major cities of the North West, Warrington holds the best of both worlds, pairing a strong sense of history and industry with a beating modern heart of retail and shopping opportunities. Plus, with a comparatively lower crime rate of 80.2 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s got many attractive traits.
However, while that rate of crime does run lower than many places over Cheshire, Warrington still faces substantial issues, especially with growing numbers in violent crime (6984 incidents), antisocial behaviour (2179 incidents) and public order offences (2124 incidents).
Heavily grounded in its keen focus on industry and manufacturing, Widnes has seen a boom of population in recent years, largely thanks to its good employment prospects and strong transport links. However, that population rise has led to a rising crime rate, with current rates reaching 93.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, there’s a substantial rate of violent crime (2981 offences), as well as significant numbers across both antisocial behaviour (1161 offences) and public order incidents (950 offences). Equally concerning is Widnes’ figures in robbery (28 offences), which is 47% higher than the average for the county.
Bisected by the lengthy Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Wigan has built a solid foundation on its extensive history, with landmarks like its iconic pier and Trencherfield Mill harking back to its past as an industrious coal mining town. But with a crime rate above the region’s average at 114.3 crimes per 1000 people, there’s a pressing need to be watchful in Wigan.
The town’s main issues lie in the high rates of violent crime (7649 incidents), theft (4090 incidents) and public order offences (3042 incidents), but there’s also significant concern surrounding a surge in drug trafficking offences (135 incidents).
Birthplace of Alan Turing, the quaint town of Wilmslow offers a more sedate pace of life, and couples religious buildings and iconography with the signature countryside of its county Cheshire. It’s this idyllic backdrop that’s likely led to the town’s lower rate of crime, which sits at 50.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
That’s not to say there’s no cause for concern, however. Substantial numbers across violent crime (595 incidents), public order offences (203 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (164 incidents) underline the need for continued investment into Wilmslow security services.
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