Figures show drop in recorded crime across Wigan and Leigh

Neighbourhood crime teams across Wigan recorded changes in crime levels and enforcement activity during 2025, according to the latest performance data.

Overall recorded crime across Wigan and Leigh fell by 1.5% over the past year, a reduction of 489 offences. The solved outcome rate increased to 15.5%, compared with 13.2% in 2024.

During the last financial year, Greater Manchester Police responded to approximately 61,000 incidents across the district. These included 15,000 emergency calls and 11,000 priority incidents. Nearly 8,000 crimes were investigated — the highest total among districts in Greater Manchester.

Arrests across Wigan and Leigh increased by 8%, equating to 434 more arrests than the previous year.

Residential burglary fell by 24% year-to-date, with the district’s current solved outcome rate stands at 16.6%.

Knife crime incidents decreased by 16.4%, whilst personal robbery showed a reduction. 

Vehicle crime and shoplifting offences also declined. 

Inspector Sam Davies of Greater Manchester Police said: “Neighbourhood crime is a priority for all of our teams working across Wigan and Leigh. Our officers are undertaking positive work around key force priorities, which has helped to build trust and confidence within the local community. This is about engagement, prevention and robust enforcement”

“Because of this proactive approach to tackling neighbourhood crime, we have seen impressive results with reductions in knife crime, residential burglary, personal robbery and numbers of arrests, positive stop-searches and solved outcomes in many crime types increasing.

“These results show the continued hard work and commitment of our officers and staff in keeping Wigan safe. We are responding faster, solving more crimes, and ensuring fewer people become victims.

“As a policing team we rely on information given to us by our public. GMP can be contacted on 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency. You can you also report anonymously to Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111.”

Officers will also be utilising live-facial recognition technology in Wigan and Leigh next month. The van will be deployed in Wigan town centre on Wednesday 4 and Saturday 14 March 2026