Formby Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected development in January 2024 was the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which increased by 250% from 4 to 14 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlights a significant shift in local crime patterns. Formby’s overall crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 was 36.5% below the UK average of 7.4, a position reinforced by the 60% below UK average for anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) and the 47% below UK average for other theft (0.3 per 1,000). Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 45.2% of all crimes, but their rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 19% below the UK average. Seasonal factors likely contributed to the overall lower crime rate, as January’s reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may have dampened opportunities for shoplifting and public order offences. However, the unexpected rise in criminal damage and arson may partly reflect local events or environmental factors not captured in the data. The area’s built-up character within Sefton, combined with its relatively low population density, may have created conditions where vandalism became a more prominent issue this month. While a direct cause, the contrast between the expected seasonal trends and the actual crime mix underscores the need for continued monitoring of local patterns.

The most striking change in January 2024 was the 250% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 4 to 14 incidents. This leap, while keeping Formby’s rate at 0.6 per 1,000 (5% above the UK average), contrasts sharply with the 19% below UK average for violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 45.2% of all crimes. Shoplifting also saw a 166.7% increase, from 3 to 8 incidents, though this remained 30% below the UK average. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 33.3%, declining from 12 to 8. The shift in crime mix highlights a move toward property-related incidents, with property crimes making up 32.7% of total crimes (34 incidents) compared to 45.2% for violent crimes. Residents may find the surge in criminal damage and arson particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a potential focus on vandalism or arson in the area during this period.

Formby's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 64.9% compared to the previous month, moving from 2.9 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still places the area 36.5% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. Locally, the average daily crime count was approximately 3 incidents per day over the 31-day period, translating to one reported crime for roughly every 213 residents during the month. When viewed through the lens of population density, this suggests a relatively low level of exposure to crime compared to other parts of the UK. The shift in the crime mix from the previous month—particularly the rise in criminal damage and arson—raises questions about local factors that may have influenced this change. The overall pattern remains consistent with Formby’s historical position as a relatively safe built-up area within Sefton, despite the recent uptick.