Formby Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Formby's crime profile in September 2023 demonstrated a marked departure from the UK average, with an overall rate of 4.0 crimes per 1,000 residents—50% below the national figure of 8.0. This significant improvement positions the area as one of the UK's safest built-up areas, a status reinforced by the fact that violence and sexual offences (33 cases) accounted for 37.5% of all reported crimes, yet remained 45% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (17 cases) and public order offences (14 cases) followed as the next most common categories, both showing substantial gaps compared to national benchmarks. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students and the onset of darker evenings—likely contributed to the patterns observed, with violence and anti-social behaviour peaking during the transition from summer to autumn. While the overall rate remained low, the data suggests a nuanced picture: the area's proximity to Liverpool and its role as a commuter hub may explain the relatively high proportion of violent crimes, whereas its coastal location and smaller population size help explain the consistently low rates of property crimes. This combination of factors highlights the unique character of Formby as a built-up area within Sefton, where local demographics and geography intersect to shape crime trends in ways distinct from larger urban centres.

September saw a 40% drop in shoplifting, with incidents falling from 5 to 3—a decrease that may reflect heightened policing around retail areas during the back-to-school period. Conversely, burglary rates tripled (1 to 3), a sharp increase that could be linked to increased property visibility during autumn evenings. Bicycle theft also doubled (1 to 2), tied to students returning to university campuses. Violence and sexual offences remained 45% below the UK average, despite the seasonal influx of new residents. The drop in criminal damage and arson (8 to 5) may indicate successful community engagement efforts, though the rise in vehicle crime (1 to 2) suggests vulnerabilities in car parks near transport hubs. These mixed trends highlight the combination of seasonal patterns and targeted interventions, with some areas of Formby showing marked improvement while others require closer attention.

Formby's crime rate in September 2023 (4.0 per 1,000 residents) marked a 15.5% decline from August's 4.7 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction positions the area as one of the UK's safest built-up areas, with crime rates halved compared to the national average. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 2.9 crimes per day over the month, a figure that remains low for a coastal town with seasonal tourism activity. The monthly exposure statistic reveals that over the course of September, one crime was reported for every 252 residents—a rate that, when scaled to the population, suggests a level of safety consistent with rural areas despite Formby's built-up character. This contrast with the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies, though the slight uptick in burglary and vehicle crime requires monitoring. The 1-in-252 figure also provides residents with a tangible benchmark for understanding their personal risk profile, particularly in light of the seasonal shifts affecting community dynamics.