Sefton Crime Rate

Sefton, a metropolitan borough in Merseyside with a population of 286,281, maintains a safety profile that is slightly better than the national average. The area's overall crime rate is 83.7 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.7. This positive comparison is also reflected in Sefton's safety score of 80/100, sitting just above the national benchmark of 79/100. Over the past year, the crime trend has remained stable, showing a marginal 1.6% decrease. Property-related crime in the borough stands at 22.8 per 1,000, significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. These statistics suggest that Sefton is a relatively secure region, though the diversity of its urban and coastal areas means that safety can vary by specific location. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime types and trends.

Sefton is a diverse metropolitan borough in Merseyside, stretching from the urban industrial landscape of Bootle in the south to the coastal resort of Southport in the north. This geographical variety significantly influences the area's crime statistics. The southern part of the borough is densely populated and closely integrated with Liverpool's urban core, while the central and northern areas are more suburban and residential, featuring affluent towns like Formby and Crosby. Sefton's economy is a mix of tourism, retail, and maritime industries, with the Port of Liverpool being a major employer. The transient population in tourist hotspots like Southport and the high density in urban areas like Bootle contribute to the overall crime rate. Economic factors vary across the borough, with some areas facing higher levels of deprivation, which can correlate with increased incidences of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The safety score of 80/100 reflects a borough that, while having urban challenges, maintains a safety profile slightly better than the UK average.

In Sefton, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 42.1% of all reported incidents at a rate of 35.3 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences follow at 10.7%, and anti-social behaviour makes up 9.9%. For homeowners and residents, property-related crime is a significant factor, with a combined rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people. This property crime figure includes 663 burglaries, 725 vehicle crimes, and 1,838 incidents of criminal damage and arson. Shoplifting and 'other theft' also contribute notably to the total. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 2.3 per 1,000, the high volume of criminal damage and public order offences suggests that property protection and community safety are ongoing priorities. Residents should be aware that while personal safety is the primary concern statistically, the cumulative impact of property-related offences remains a tangible risk across the borough's diverse neighbourhoods.

The crime trend in Sefton is currently stable, having experienced a minor 1.6% decrease year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly trendData shows a peak in crime activity during the spring and summer months, with May 2025 reaching a high of 7.7 per 1,000 people. In contrast, the lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 at 5.6 per 1,000. The latter half of 2025 showed a consistent rate around 7.3 to 7.5, before dipping to 6.8 in November. This pattern suggests that while the area is generally consistent, there is a clear seasonal increase in the mid-year period. Residents should remain particularly alert during the spring and summer months when both personal and property-related incidents tend to rise. The overall stability of the trend indicates that local law enforcement and community safety measures are maintaining a consistent level of control over the borough's crime profile.

In a regional context, Sefton's crime rate of 83.7 per 1,000 people stands out against its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Liverpool, Knowsley, Wirral, West Lancashire, St. Helens, and Halton all report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in the provided data. While these 0.0 figures likely indicate different reporting zones or exceptionally low activity in those specific datasets, they highlight Sefton as a focal point for recorded crime in this cluster. For residents or those looking to move to the area, Sefton offers a safety environment that is better than the UK average, providing a more secure profile than many other metropolitan districts in the North West.

With a property crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000, Sefton residents enjoy a safer environment than many other parts of the UK. However, with over 600 burglaries and 700 vehicle crimes annually, the risk is persistent. Traditional security, such as reactive CCTV or basic alarms, often fails to prevent crime, instead providing footage of the event after the damage is done. For those seeking a higher level of security, proactive protection is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect unauthorised presence in real-time. Its autonomous response system—activating deterrent lights and speakers—destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where most crime is stable, scOS provides the proactive edge needed to ensure your home remains a secure sanctuary rather than a statistic.

How To Keep Safe in Sefton

With violence and sexual offences being the most reported crime type in Sefton, personal safety should be a primary focus for residents across the borough. When walking at night, especially in busier urban areas like Bootle or tourist centres like Southport, stay in well-lit areas and use main roads. If you are using public transport, try to wait in brightly lit areas near other people. Public order offences are also prevalent, so it is wise to be aware of your surroundings in crowded places. For property owners, the 9.9% rate of anti-social behaviour suggests that clear boundary markings and good external lighting can help discourage loitering and minor vandalism. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide tailored advice for your specific town or village within the borough.