Kirkby Crime Rate

Kirkby is a major urban settlement within Knowsley, with a crime rate that reflects its status as a busy commercial and residential hub. The overall crime rate stands at 108.3 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Consequently, its safety score is 74/100, falling below the UK average of 79/100. The crime trend in Kirkby is currently stable, with a minor 4.5% increase year-over-year. This indicates a consistent security environment, though the higher-than-average crime rate suggests that residents should be proactive about their personal and property security. While the area faces challenges typical of larger urban centres, particularly in categories like violence and anti-social behaviour, it remains a core part of the Knowsley community.

Kirkby's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences (40.5%), anti-social behaviour (11.6%), and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). While violence and sexual offences are the most common, they often include domestic incidents. Property-related crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 27.9 per 1,000 residents. This includes criminal damage (11.1 per 1,000), other theft (6.0 per 1,000), shoplifting (4.3 per 1,000), burglary (2.5 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (2.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, this means that while personal safety is a key focus, the protection of property from damage and opportunistic theft is also a constant requirement. The relatively high rate of criminal damage suggests that properties are frequently targeted for vandalism, making robust exterior security a wise investment for local residents and business owners alike.

The crime trend in Kirkby is currently stable, with a minor 4.5% increase year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, generally hovering between 7.6 and 10.4 per 1,000 people. The highest activity was recorded in April (10.4) and June (10.2), while the lowest rates were seen in December 2024 (7.6) and November 2025 (7.7). This lack of significant escalation suggests a predictable security environment. For residents, this stability is reassuring, as it indicates that crime levels are not rising uncontrollably. However, the consistent nature of the data also means that the existing risks, particularly around violence and anti-social behaviour, remain constant factors that should be addressed through steady and proactive security measures. The slight upward trend suggests that community vigilance remains important.

How To Keep Safe in Kirkby

The most frequent crime type in Kirkby is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to maintain personal awareness, especially when in busy areas like the Kirkby Town Centre or near transport hubs. If you are out walking alone, try to stick to well-lit, populated routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable concern; residents are encouraged to report any persistent issues to the local council or police. For property security, ensure that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Criminal damage is relatively frequent, so consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property to deter vandals. For vehicle security, never leave valuables on display and always ensure your car is locked, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can be an excellent way to stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbours, helping to maintain the area's overall safety standards.

Crime in Kirkby exhibits clear temporal patterns. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft-related offences, accounting for 41% and 44% of crimes respectively. This likely reflects activity in commercial areas or thefts from unattended properties. As evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the profile shifts, with general 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 66% of incidents. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 21% of all recorded offences, and burglary reaches its peak at 15%. These trends suggest that while daytime crime is often opportunistic and theft-based, the night-time hours present a specific risk to vehicles and residential properties, making secure parking and proactive boundary monitoring essential for residents during the late hours.

In the local context, Kirkby has a higher crime rate than many of its more residential neighbours. Its rate of 108.3 per 1,000 is higher than Knowsley (81.5), Aintree (96.0), and significantly higher than Maghull (44.5) and Lydiate (39.2). However, it remains safer than the major city of Liverpool (133.3). For those considering the region, Kirkby offers the amenities of a large town but with a more active crime profile than the surrounding suburban areas. Its safety score of 74/100 highlights its performance as a busy urban centre within the wider Merseyside region, where crime levels are often higher than in rural districts.

With a property crime rate of 27.9 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Kirkby should prioritise effective security. Property-related offences, including criminal damage, theft, and burglary, make up a significant portion of the local crime data. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—they record footage of a crime but do nothing to stop it. For real protection in Kirkby, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating deterrent lighting or audible warnings. This 'prevention-first' model is particularly effective against opportunistic crimes like criminal damage or vehicle theft, which are common in busy urban areas. By deterring an intruder before they act, scOS ensures that your property is actively defended, providing a level of security that traditional CCTV simply cannot match. Investing in proactive AI technology is the most effective way to safeguard your home or business in Kirkby.