Formby Crime Rate

Formby is one of the safest areas in the region, with an overall crime rate of 52.3 per 1,000 people. This is significantly better than the UK average of 93.1. The town's high safety level is reflected in its safety score of 87/100, which is well above the national average of 78. However, it is important to note that crime has seen an increasing trend recently, with a 10.8% rise year-over-year. As an affluent coastal town with a high proportion of residential property, Formby presents a different safety profile than its more urban neighbours. The following data explores the types of crime occurring in Formby and provides insights into local safety patterns.

In Formby, the crime landscape is primarily characterized by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.4% of all reports (479 incidents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (12.2%) and public order offences (9.2%). These statistics reflect a focus on interpersonal and community-level issues.

Property crime in Formby is recorded at a rate of 15.9 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. Shoplifting is the most common property offence with 102 incidents, while criminal damage and arson follow with 89. For residents, burglary (38 incidents) and vehicle crime (35 incidents) represent the most direct threats to the home. Although these numbers are low compared to neighbouring urban areas, the 10.8% year-over-year increase in overall crime suggests that residents should remain proactive about their home and personal security to maintain the area's high safety standards.

Formby is currently experiencing an increasing crime trend, with a 10.8% rise year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 reveals a steady climb after a quiet start to the year. In January, the crime rate was at its lowest at 3.0 per 1,000.

By March, the rate had risen to 4.8, and it peaked in May and June at 5.3. Although there was a slight dip in the late summer, the rate remained higher than the previous year's average, ending at 4.9 in October. This upward trend, while starting from a very low baseline, suggests that the local community and law enforcement should be alert to changing patterns. Despite this increase, Formby remains one of the safest areas in Sefton and the wider UK.

How To Keep Safe in Formby

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Formby. While the overall rate is low, personal safety remains a priority.

1. When walking near the beach or through the pinewoods, especially at dusk or dawn, try to stay with a companion and stick to well-used paths.
2. Be mindful of your home security, as the recent increase in crime suggests opportunistic thieves may be more active. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home.
3. Secure your vehicle overnight; vehicle crime in Formby is most prevalent between 12am and 6am, accounting for 31% of night-time offences.
4. If you notice any unusual activity or anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, report it to the local police to help maintain the area's high safety standards.
5. In the village centre, keep your personal belongings secure, as shoplifting and other thefts are the most frequent property crimes during the day.

Crime in Formby shows clear temporal shifts. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, making up 42% and 45% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the opening hours of the town’s retail and social spaces.

As evening approaches, the risk profile changes. Between 6pm and 12am, "other" crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, account for 57% of all reports. The night-time period (12am to 6am) is particularly significant for property owners; vehicle crime reaches its daily peak here, accounting for 31% of all offences, while burglary also remains high at 20%. These patterns suggest that while daytime safety is generally high, residents should be most vigilant about their vehicles and home security during the overnight hours when these specific crime types are most concentrated.

In the local context, Formby is significantly safer than larger nearby towns like Crosby (71.6) and Litherland (101.3). It is more comparable to Hightown (36.9) and the rural village of Ince Blundell (0.0). While Haskayne to the east has a similar rate of 53.4, Formby remains a standout for safety among the larger coastal settlements. This low crime rate is a major factor in the area's appeal as a residential location, though the recent upward trend indicates that it is not entirely isolated from broader regional shifts in criminal activity.

With a property crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000, Formby is a low-risk area, but the recent 10.8% increase in crime suggests that security should not be taken for granted. In affluent areas, properties can often be targeted for high-value assets. Traditional security systems that merely record video are often reactive, only providing evidence after a theft has occurred.

The scOS operating system provides a proactive layer of protection that is ideal for Formby's residential landscape. By using AI to monitor the property boundary, scOS can identify and deter potential intruders before they even attempt to enter. With vehicle crime peaking at 31% during the night in Formby, scOS’s ability to watch over driveways and verify vehicles is a major advantage. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights and audio deterrents, stopping a crime in its tracks. This level of professional-grade protection ensures that Formby homeowners are not just documenting crime, but actively preventing it from reaching their front door.