Monthly Crime Statistics

Liverpool Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Liverpool's December 2023 crime rate stood at 11.0 per 1,000 residents, 52.8% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly 40% of all crimes.

5,577
Total Crimes
11
Per 1,000 People
7.2
UK Average
-4.4%
vs Previous Month

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Liverpool’s December 2023 crime profile reveals a marked shift in patterns, with reductions in certain categories offsetting persistent challenges. The overall crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents places the city 52.8% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime, which constitutes 38.3% of all recorded offences—4.2 per 1,000 residents, 60% above the UK average. The dominance of violence and sexual offences, drugs, and public order crimes reflects Liverpool’s status as a major urban centre with a historically vibrant nightlife and retail sector. Seasonal factors likely contribute to this dynamic: the Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings may have intensified public order issues, while the city’s well-known cultural festivals could have amplified drug-related activity. The 10.3% share of drug offences—573 in total, 450% above the UK average—suggests ongoing challenges with substance misuse in areas with high foot traffic, such as the city’s central districts. However, the seasonal context also offers a partial explanation for the lower-than-expected burglary rate, which remains 43% above the UK average but may have been tempered by the closure of some commercial premises over the holidays. These patterns underscore the combination of Liverpool’s urban character and the rhythms of the festive season, where heightened social activity coexists with efforts to maintain public safety.

December 2023 saw notable reductions in vehicle crime and theft from the person, with the former declining by 40.1% (372 → 223) and the latter dropping 28.8% (118 → 84). These decreases may partly reflect the reduced traffic and pedestrian activity associated with the Christmas holidays, as well as potential deterrents such as increased policing in key areas like the city’s transport hubs. Conversely, burglary rose sharply by 26.6% (192 → 243), a trend that contrasts with the seasonal expectation of reduced property crime. This increase could be linked to targeted activity in residential areas during the holiday period, when homes are often unoccupied. Meanwhile, drug-related offences climbed by 9.4% (524 → 573), reinforcing concerns about the city’s longstanding struggles with substance misuse in high-density neighbourhoods. Anti-social behaviour, the only category below the UK average (14% lower), may have been mitigated by community initiatives or increased enforcement during the festive season. Residents might find the 28.8% drop in theft from the person particularly reassuring. decline in bicycle theft (62 → 30) appears even more striking, indicating effective measures in securing bike storage or reduced theft opportunities in the cold weather.

Liverpool’s crime rate in December 2023 (11.0 per 1,000) marked a 4.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.5 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, translates to roughly 180 crimes per day—a stark figure that underscores the city’s ongoing challenges with public safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 91 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the previous month, remains significantly higher than the UK average. When viewed through the lens of Liverpool’s population of 508,961, this statistic illustrates the disproportionate burden of crime on the city’s residents compared to the national context. The daily crime context is particularly relevant for those living in high-traffic areas, where the 180 crimes per day would equate to a far higher frequency of incidents. Despite these figures, Liverpool’s position as a major urban centre with a dense population and complex social dynamics means that crime rates will always be influenced by factors such as economic disparity, youth demographics, and the concentration of services. The 4.4% reduction in the overall rate may also reflect seasonal factors, as the Christmas period typically sees a temporary lull in certain types of crime, such as vehicle theft and burglary, due to reduced economic activity and increased security measures.

Crime Breakdown - December 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences2,1374.238.3%
Drugs5731.110.3%
Public order52119.3%
Criminal damage and arson4510.98.1%
Other theft4240.87.6%
Anti-social behaviour4110.87.4%
Shoplifting3060.65.5%
Burglary2430.54.4%
Vehicle crime2230.44%
Other crime910.21.6%
Theft from the person840.21.5%
Robbery520.10.9%
Possession of weapons310.10.6%
Bicycle theft300.10.5%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Liverpool

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 3 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month