Formby Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Formby’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.7 per 1,000 residents, 42.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly higher than the previous month’s 3.4 per 1,000, remains a testament to the area’s overall safety compared to national standards. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (29 cases, 35.8% of total), followed by shoplifting (12 cases) and criminal damage and arson (12 cases). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may have influenced these patterns, though the sharp increase in arson and shoplifting suggests additional factors at play. Violence and sexual offences, despite being the most common category, remain 44% below the UK average, a figure that could be attributed to Formby’s relatively small population and community-focused policing strategies. Shoplifting, while rising sharply, still lags 14% behind the UK average, due to the area’s limited retail presence compared to larger urban centres. The low rate of anti-social behaviour (11.1% of total crimes) and public order offences (6.2%) further illustrates the area’s generally calm social environment, though these figures may be affected by the winter lull in public gatherings. The data highlights a balance between local challenges, such as the rise in arson, and the broader success of maintaining a crime rate significantly lower than the national average.

February 2026 saw an 1100% surge in criminal damage and arson, jumping from 1 to 12 incidents. This spike, alongside a 500% rise in shoplifting (from 2 to 12 cases), suggests a shift in criminal focus during the winter months. The increase in burglary, doubling from 1 to 2 cases, may reflect seasonal vulnerabilities in property security. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 66.7%, likely due to reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for such offences. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, contributing 35.8% of all crimes, yet still 44% below the UK average. The sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, however, stands out as a significant local concern, potentially linked to colder weather and increased indoor gatherings. These fluctuations highlight the importance of targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as public spaces where arson incidents are concentrated.

Formby’s crime rate in February 2026 rose to 3.7 per 1,000 residents, a 6.7% increase from the previous month’s 3.4 per 1,000. This shift, while modest, reflects a local trend that warrants attention. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 3 crimes reported each day in February, a figure that remains consistent with the area’s historically low crime profile. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 273 residents experienced a reported crime, underscoring the relatively low exposure compared to national averages. With a population of 22,144, this statistic translates to a manageable scale for local authorities to monitor. The increase in certain categories, such as criminal damage and arson, contrasts with declines in others like vehicle crime, suggesting a combination of seasonal and situational factors. These shifts, while not dramatic, highlight the need for ongoing analysis of local patterns to ensure proactive policing and community engagement remain aligned with emerging trends.