Formby Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 saw Formby maintain a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents, 37.5% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a persistent trend of lower-than-average crime in the area. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 36% of total incidents (40 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (26 cases) and criminal damage and arson (12 cases). The seasonal context of October—shorter daylight hours, the clocks going back, and the Halloween period—may partly explain shifts in crime patterns. While property crimes (30 cases) were lower than violent crimes, the overall balance between property and violent crime remained skewed toward violence, a trend consistent with Formby’s historical profile as a mixed-use coastal town with a significant residential population. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (3 cases) and vehicle crime (3 cases), both 80% below UK averages, suggests that local retail and transport infrastructure may not be as heavily targeted as in larger urban centres. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson during October highlights vulnerabilities that warrant closer attention, particularly in light of seasonal events.

October 2023 marked a significant increase in criminal damage and arson, with cases rising by 140% compared to September (5 to 12 cases). This surge, occurring against the backdrop of Halloween and shorter daylight hours, may be linked to increased alcohol consumption and gatherings in public spaces. Concurrently, drug-related offences doubled from 2 to 4 cases, a 100% increase, though this remains below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Robbery also rose sharply, from 0 to 2 cases, a 100% increase, though these incidents remain rare compared to national trends. In contrast, burglary fell by 33.3% (3 to 2 cases), and public order offences decreased by 28.6% (14 to 10 cases), potentially reflecting reduced foot traffic during the month. The breakdown of crimes shows that violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000) remain 33% below the UK average, a consistent strength for Formby. However, the rise in property-related crimes such as criminal damage underscores the need for community vigilance during peak seasonal periods. Residents should be particularly alert to unattended vehicles and property in public spaces, given the sharp increase in vandalism.

Formby’s crime rate in October 2023 rose by 26.2% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.0 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest in absolute terms, translates to roughly 4 crimes reported per day across the built-up area’s population of 22,144. On a monthly basis, this equates to one reported crime for every 199 residents, a figure that, while low, indicates the need for sustained awareness. When compared to the UK average, Formby remains significantly safer, with its overall crime rate 37.5% below the national level. However, the month-on-month rise suggests that local factors—such as the timing of seasonal events or changes in policing priorities—may have influenced the data. The population context further highlights the relatively low risk: Formby’s crime rate is among the lowest in the UK for its size, with violent crime rates 33% below the national average. Despite this, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about whether targeted interventions or increased community engagement could help mitigate such spikes in the future.