Hightown (Sefton) Crime Rate

Hightown (Sefton) maintains a reputation as a highly secure settlement, with an overall crime rate of 41.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 91/100. While the area remains one of the safer locations in the region, recent data indicates a 70.0% increase in reported incidents year-over-year. This upward trend suggests a shift in local safety dynamics that residents should monitor. Despite this rise, the area's property crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 remains well below the national average of 32.2, reflecting a strong baseline of security. The following analysis explores the specific crime types, temporal patterns, and local context that define Hightown's current safety profile.

In Hightown (Sefton), the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.6% of all recorded incidents (26 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 27.1% (23 crimes) and criminal damage and arson at 10.6% (9 crimes). While these figures represent the most frequent reports, residents should also remain aware of property-related crimes. The overall property crime rate stands at 9.8 per 1,000 residents, encompassing burglary (3.5% of total crime), vehicle crime (2.4%), and various forms of theft. Although the volume is relatively low compared to urban centres, the impact of these offences on homeowners can be significant, particularly regarding domestic security and vehicle protection. Understanding these proportions helps residents prioritise their safety measures, focusing on both personal security in public spaces and robust property defences against opportunistic theft.

Hightown has experienced a significant shift in its crime profile, with a 70.0% increase in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This trend was particularly pronounced in the latter half of 2025. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained low between January and July, typically hovering between 1.0 and 3.4 per 1,000 residents. However, August saw a sharp rise to 6.4, followed by a peak in September at 9.8 per 1,000. While rates dropped back to 1.5 in November, December saw another increase to 4.4. This volatility suggests that the area may be experiencing specific, localised issues rather than a steady, uniform rise in all crime types. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of staying informed about local police activity and maintaining consistent security standards throughout the year, rather than assuming past low rates guarantee future safety.

How To Keep Safe in Hightown (Sefton)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Hightown, representing 30.6% of all incidents. While the overall numbers are low, maintaining personal safety remains a priority. When walking through the area, especially during evening hours, remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, familiar routes. If you are out alone, consider using a personal safety app that allows trusted contacts to monitor your journey.

Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, residents should report any persistent nuisances or suspicious gatherings to the local police via non-emergency channels. This helps authorities identify hotspots and allocate patrols effectively.

For property owners, the 27% peak in afternoon burglaries suggests that homes are most vulnerable when residents are at work or school. Ensure all entry points are securely locked and consider using smart lighting to create the illusion of occupancy. For vehicle owners, the night-time peak in vehicle crime (26%) means that parking in a locked garage or a well-lit driveway is essential.

Crime in Hightown (Sefton) follows distinct temporal patterns. Afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) are particularly notable for burglary, which accounts for 27% of incidents during this period, likely targeting homes left empty during the working day. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a high concentration of "other" crimes (63%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for vehicle owners, with vehicle crime making up 26% of reported offences. In contrast, morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quiet for violent crime but see a mix of theft (23%) and burglary (16%). These patterns suggest that while the area is generally safe, the type of risk shifts significantly depending on the time of day, with property crime being more opportunistic during daylight and vehicle crime occurring under the cover of darkness.

When considering the local region, Hightown's crime rate of 41.8 per 1,000 people compares favourably to most surrounding areas. It is notably safer than Formby, which records 51.2 crimes per 1,000, and significantly more secure than Crosby (Sefton) at 72.7 and Litherland at 105.0. Only Ince Blundell, a much smaller settlement, reports a lower rate of 0.0. For those looking at the Sefton area, Hightown provides a middle ground between the ultra-quiet rural fringes and the more active urban hubs closer to Liverpool. This regional context highlights Hightown's status as a premium residential location with a high standard of safety, even when accounting for the recent trend increases.

In an area like Hightown, where the property crime rate is low at 9.8 per 1,000 but the trend is increasing, homeowners should consider moving beyond traditional, reactive security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are designed to record a crime as it happens, often providing little more than a video of a masked intruder after they have already caused damage or loss. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is required. Systems like scOS use AI to detect threats at the property boundary, long before a break-in occurs. By identifying suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles—even those with fake plates—scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as lighting and voice alerts. This approach destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a community where most offenders decide whether to target a home within 60 seconds, a visible, intelligent system that intervenes in real-time is a powerful deterrent that traditional recording devices simply cannot match.