Southport Crime Rate

Southport is a seaside town in Sefton with a population of 94,098. It maintains a safety profile that is better than the national average, with an overall crime rate of 82.5 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 91.7. This is further reflected in its safety score of 80/100, sitting just above the national benchmark of 79/100. Over the past year, Southport has seen a stable trend in crime, with a 4.6% decrease in total incidents. Property-related crime is particularly low at 22.6 per 1,000, significantly below the UK average of 32.3. As a major tourist destination, Southport experiences some seasonal fluctuations in crime, but it remains a secure and desirable place to live. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime types and trends.

Southport's crime profile is heavily influenced by its status as a major coastal resort, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 42.6% of all reported incidents at a rate of 35.2 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences follow at 11.9%, and shoplifting makes up 9.1%. For residents and homeowners, property-related crime is a key consideration, with a combined rate of 22.6 per 1,000 people. This property crime figure includes 204 burglaries, 157 vehicle crimes, and 508 incidents of criminal damage and arson. Other theft and bicycle theft also contribute to the total. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 2.2 per 1,000, the high incidence of criminal damage and shoplifting suggests that both residential and commercial property protection are important. The prevalence of public order offences often correlates with the town's tourism and nightlife, making personal awareness essential in busy central areas.

Southport's crime rate has remained stable over the past year, with a minor 4.6% decrease. Analysis of the monthly trendData reveals a peak in activity during the summer, with the rate climbing to 7.5 per 1,000 in July 2025. This was followed by a gradual decline through the autumn, ending the year at 6.4 in November. The lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 at 5.6 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that while the overall trend is downward, the town experiences a clear seasonal spike in the mid-year period, likely related to its status as a popular seaside resort. Despite these fluctuations, Southport continues to be a safe location with a crime rate consistently below the UK average.

How To Keep Safe in Southport

With violence and sexual offences being the most reported crime type in Southport (42.6%), personal safety should be a primary focus for residents and visitors, particularly in the town centre and nightlife areas. When walking at night, stay in well-lit areas and use main roads. Public order offences are also prevalent (11.9%), so it is wise to be aware of your surroundings in crowded places. For property owners, the 7.9% rate of anti-social behaviour suggests that good external lighting can help discourage loitering. Crucially, the data shows that vehicle crime accounts for 26% of all night-time incidents. To protect your property, ensure vehicles are parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, and never leave valuables inside. Additionally, with theft peaking in the afternoon (47% of incidents), securing your home and outbuildings during the day is a vital precaution.

Crime in Southport follows a distinct temporal pattern, with commercial and opportunistic crimes dominating the daylight hours. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) see theft accounting for 46% and 47% of incidents respectively, largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in the town centre. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a shift, with 'other' crimes—which can include public order and anti-social behaviour—peaking at 57%. Night-time (12am-6am) has the lowest overall volume, but the nature of crime changes; vehicle crime accounts for 26% of night-time reports, and burglary reaches its highest relative frequency at 21%. This data suggests that while daytime focus should be on retail and opportunistic theft, night-time security must prioritise vehicle and residential perimeter protection.

In its local context, Southport serves as the primary urban and commercial hub. Its crime rate of 82.5 per 1,000 is higher than the nearby rural areas of Scarisbrick, Bescar, and Drummersdale, all of which report 0.0 in this dataset. It is also more active than the neighbouring village of Banks, which has a rate of 58.2. These comparisons highlight Southport as a focal point for recorded activity in the region, which is typical for a major town with a large retail sector and tourism industry. Despite being the busiest area in its immediate vicinity, Southport remains significantly safer than the national average.

With a property crime rate of 22.6 per 1,000, Southport residents enjoy a safer environment than many other parts of the UK. However, with over 200 burglaries and 150 vehicle crimes annually, the risk is persistent. Traditional security, such as reactive CCTV or basic alarms, often fails to prevent crime, instead providing footage of the event after the damage is done. For those seeking a higher level of security, proactive protection is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect unauthorised presence in real-time. Its autonomous response system—activating deterrent lights and speakers—destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where most crime is stable, scOS provides the proactive edge needed to ensure your home remains a secure sanctuary rather than a statistic.