Bootle (Sefton) Crime Rate

Bootle (Sefton) is a major urban hub with an overall crime rate of 131.8 per 1,000 people. While this figure is higher than the UK national average of 91.6, it reflects the area's high population density and significant commercial and industrial activity. Bootle maintains a safety score of 68/100, and data for Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 indicates a stable trend with a minimal 0.1% change year-over-year. Property crime is a relevant factor for residents, with a rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the national average of 32.2. This environment suggests that while Bootle is a vibrant and busy place, taking proactive steps toward home and vehicle security is a sensible precaution for local residents.

In Bootle, violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes, accounting for 3,139 incidents (43.3% of total crime). Public order offences (10.6%) and drugs (8.9%) also feature prominently. For residents, property crime is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people—just above the UK average of 32.2. This includes 224 vehicle crimes (3.1%) and 163 reported burglaries (2.2%). While burglary rates are relatively low, the presence of criminal damage (8.3%), shoplifting (4.8%), and other thefts (4.9%) indicates that opportunistic and nuisance crime are persistent issues in this busy urban area, making proactive security important for both homes and businesses.

The crime trend in Bootle is currently stable, showing a minimal 0.1% change over the last 12 months. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 8.3 per 1,000 people in February and a peak of 12.2 in May. The year began at 9.7 in January and remained relatively high from May through November, with rates consistently above 11.2. The rate ended the year at 10.1 in December. This overall stability is a positive indicator for Bootle residents, suggesting that crime is being effectively managed and is not on an upward trajectory. The consistent monthly figures throughout the latter half of the year further support the view that the area is maintaining its safety standards. Residents should feel reassured by the predictable nature of local crime levels.

How To Keep Safe in Bootle (Sefton)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Bootle, followed by public order offences and drug-related activity. To stay safe in this busy urban area, consider these localized tips. Firstly, when visiting the town centre or transport hubs, particularly during evening hours, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Secondly, be mindful of anti-social behaviour in public spaces; if you encounter groups causing a disturbance, it is best to keep your distance and report the activity to Merseyside Police. Thirdly, for vehicle owners, 31% of night-time crime is vehicle-related; always park in well-lit areas and ensure no valuables are left in your car overnight. Finally, homeowners should invest in good quality door and window locks and consider a modern security system, as burglary peaks at night (15%). Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can also help you stay informed about specific issues in your street and foster a safer community environment. Stay updated through Merseyside Police alerts for specific local safety advice.

Crime in Bootle follows a clear temporal cycle. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are characterized by theft-related offences (40%) as the town becomes more active. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft peaks at 44% of reported incidents. During the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a significant shift toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 60% of reports. Overnight (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a more prominent concern, representing 31% of all incidents during this period, while burglary also peaks at 15%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is mostly opportunistic theft in commercial areas, residents should be particularly vigilant about vehicle and property security during the evening and night-time hours. Overall, Bootle maintains a stable safety profile throughout the day.

Bootle is part of a cluster of urban areas in the Sefton and Merseyside region, and its crime profile is best understood in this context. Its rate of 131.8 per 1,000 is higher than more suburban neighbours like Crosby (72.7) and Litherland (105.0). However, it is broadly in line with other major regional hubs like Wallasey (81.7). Aintree also provides useful local context. For those considering the area, Bootle offers a busy metropolitan lifestyle with a safety profile that is typical for a major urban centre in the North West. Understanding these local comparisons helps residents gauge the relative safety of their specific neighbourhood.

In a busy urban environment like Bootle, where property crime stands at 33.0 per 1,000 people, relying on traditional security can be a gamble. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, but by the time you see the footage, the damage is done. To truly protect your home, you need a proactive system like scOS (Security Operating System). scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it detects threats in real-time, identifying suspicious behaviour or unauthorised vehicles before they reach your front door. If an intruder is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or audible warnings, removing the element of surprise. In an area where vehicle crime is more prevalent at night (31% of night-time incidents), scOS's 24/7 monitoring and vehicle plate verification are vital. A visible scOS installation signals to opportunistic thieves that your property is actively defended, making them far more likely to move on. Choosing proactive protection over reactive recording is the best way to ensure your home doesn't become part of the local crime statistics.