Formby Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Formby’s July 2023 crime profile revealed a distinct imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former accounting for 40.2% of total incidents compared to 29.9% for property offences. This divergence from the UK average—where violence and sexual offences typically make up 35% of all crimes—suggests local factors may be influencing patterns. The area’s overall crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents, 47% below the UK average of 8.3, positions Formby as one of the safer built-up areas in England. Seasonal dynamics appear to play a role, as July’s peak tourism period and extended daylight hours may have driven higher incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour, particularly in public spaces. Conversely, property crimes like burglary and shoplifting remained well below national rates, with burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 (39% below the UK average) and shoplifting at 0.2 per 1,000 (67% below). This contrast may reflect Formby’s coastal character, where transient visitors and limited retail density reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Anti-social behaviour, at 12 incidents, was 65% below the UK average, linked to the area’s community-focused policing or lower population density. The dominance of violent crimes, however, raises questions about local social dynamics, though no definitive explanations are provided by the data. As with all crime statistics, these figures must be interpreted within the context of Formby’s unique geography and seasonal rhythms, which likely shape both the frequency and type of incidents reported.

July 2023 marked a notable shift in Formby’s crime mix, with violent crimes (39) outnumbering property crimes (29) for the first time in recent months. This imbalance may reflect increased social activity during summer, though no direct causal link is established. Month-on-month, violent crimes fell by 25.8% (from 52 to 39), while property crimes rose by 3.3% (from 28 to 29), a trend consistent with seasonal patterns in coastal areas. Other crime—a category encompassing offences like vandalism and disorder—surged by 100%, jumping from 2 to 4 incidents. This category’s rate (0.2 per 1,000) is 43% above the UK average, suggesting a unique local challenge. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and other theft plummeted by 60% and 62.5% respectively, potentially linked to reduced retail activity or altered parking patterns during the summer. For residents, the 47% gap between Formby’s rate and the UK average (8.3 per 1,000) offers a stark reminder of the area’s comparative safety, even as specific categories like anti-social behaviour (12 incidents) remain 65% below national levels.

July 2023 saw a 26.0% decline in Formby’s crime rate, dropping from 5.9 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal trends, as summer holidays and festivals may have temporarily diverted activity from high-risk areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly three crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, remains significantly lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 228 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk compared to national benchmarks. With a population of 22,144, this translates to a manageable number of incidents, though the 1-in-228 ratio offers a tangible measure for residents to contextualise their safety. The drop from June also suggests that targeted policing efforts or community initiatives may have had a measurable impact, though without explicit data, this remains speculative. The contrast between Formby’s current rate and its previous month’s figures highlights the volatility of crime trends, particularly in areas with seasonal fluctuations in foot traffic and event attendance.