Bootle (Sefton) Crime Rate

Bootle (Sefton) experiences a higher volume of criminal activity compared to both the local authority average and the national baseline. The area's overall crime rate stands at 130.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1. Consequently, Bootle has a safety score of 68/100, lower than the UK average of 78. Despite these figures, the crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 0.6%. As a densely populated urban area with significant industrial and commercial activity, Bootle faces unique safety challenges. The data provided below offers a detailed look at the types of crime prevalent in the area and the patterns of when they occur.

In Bootle, the criminal profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 43.1% of all reported crimes (3,097 incidents). This is followed by public order offences (10.5%) and drug-related crimes (9.2%). These figures indicate a high level of social and interpersonal challenges within the urban area.

Property crime in Bootle is recorded at a rate of 33.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 32.9. This category includes a broad range of offences such as burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. Criminal damage and arson account for 594 incidents, while shoplifting and "other theft" combined contribute over 700 reports. For homeowners and residents, the burglary rate of 3.0 per 1,000 and vehicle crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 are significant metrics. These statistics suggest that residents face a higher-than-average risk of property interference, necessitating proactive measures to secure homes and vehicles against opportunistic and targeted theft.

The crime trend in Bootle is currently stable, with a negligible decrease of 0.6% year-over-year. However, the monthly data for 2025 shows a clear upward trajectory as the year progressed. Starting at a rate of 9.7 in January, crime fell to a low of 8.3 in February before rising sharply.

By May 2025, the rate reached 12.2 per 1,000, and it remained consistently high throughout the summer and autumn. The most recent data from September and October 2025 shows the rate holding at 12.1. This suggests that while the annual average is stable, the latter half of 2025 has seen a sustained increase in criminal activity compared to the start of the year. Residents should be aware that the local environment has become more active in recent months, requiring continued attention to personal and property safety.

How To Keep Safe in Bootle (Sefton)

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime types in Bootle. Personal safety and awareness in the urban environment are essential.

1. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas, particularly around the docks or industrial zones after dark. Stick to main, well-populated thoroughfares.
2. Be vigilant when using your mobile phone or carrying valuables in public, as the high rate of theft and public order offences suggests opportunistic crime is a risk.
3. If you are out in the evening, plan your journey in advance and use reputable taxi services or stay in groups when using public transport.
4. Secure your vehicle with additional physical deterrents like steering locks; Bootle’s vehicle crime rate is notably higher during the night-time hours.
5. Report any drug-related activity or anti-social behaviour to the police; these issues account for a significant portion of local crime and can impact overall neighbourhood safety.

Crime in Bootle displays significant variation throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent issue, accounting for 40% and 44% of incidents respectively. This suggests that the area's retail and commercial centres are most active for criminal activity during standard business hours.

As night falls, the risk profile shifts dramatically toward property and vehicle crime. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for 34% of all reported incidents—its highest proportion of any time period. Burglary also remains a persistent threat during the night, making up 15% of offences. Conversely, evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by "other" offences, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, accounting for 60% of reports. Residents should ensure that vehicle and home security are at their highest level of readiness during the overnight period.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Bootle has the highest crime rate in the vicinity at 130.8 per 1,000. Nearby Litherland also sees elevated activity at 101.3, while Aintree sits at 96.3. In contrast, Crosby (Sefton) is significantly lower at 71.6, and Wallasey across the water is recorded at 82.3. This data highlights Bootle as a focal point for reported crime in the South Sefton area. While the surrounding regions share some of the urban challenges, Bootle's higher density and commercial hubs likely contribute to its more intensive crime statistics, making it the most active area among its local peers.

With a property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, Bootle residents face a statistical risk that exceeds the national average. In such an environment, traditional security systems that only record footage often fail to prevent crime. Reactive cameras might show you who took your vehicle, but they rarely stop the act from happening.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. In Bootle, where vehicle crime is particularly high at night (34% of night-time crime), scOS's ability to monitor perimeters and verify vehicle plates is a critical advantage. The system identifies suspicious activity before a break-in occurs and can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise for potential intruders. By moving to an AI-powered system like scOS, homeowners can ensure their security is always watching, never blinking, and actively working to prevent crime rather than just documenting it.