Birkenhead Crime Rate

Birkenhead is the primary urban and commercial centre of the Wirral, and its crime statistics reflect its high-density environment. The town has an overall crime rate of 119.0 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 72/100. While this rate is higher than the UK national average of 91.7, it is consistent with many major industrial towns. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with a 5.0% change year-over-year, suggesting that crime levels are not experiencing significant volatility. The most common offences are violence and sexual offences and public order issues, often linked to the town's busy centre and transport hubs. This report provides a detailed analysis of Birkenhead's safety data to help residents and businesses understand their local environment.

Crime Breakdown in Birkenhead

Birkenhead faces higher crime challenges than the surrounding Wirral areas, with statistics reflecting its role as a major urban and commercial hub. The most frequent reports involve violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.9% of all incidents (47.4 per 1,000 residents). Public order offences (11.2%) and anti-social behaviour (11.0%) are also significant, often concentrated around the town centre and transport links.

Property-related crime overall—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is a notable factor here. The property crime rate stands at 31.3 per 1,000 people, which is very close to the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (9.2%) and shoplifting (5.7%) are the most common. Burglary and vehicle crime each contribute around 2.5% to 2.7% of the total. While these figures are higher than in suburban Wirral, they are typical for a densely populated town with significant retail and industrial sectors.

For residents and business owners, these statistics highlight the importance of security. The high rate of personal and public order offences suggests that town centre awareness is key. However, the property crime rate indicates that while the risk is higher than in neighbouring villages, it remains within national norms. Proactive measures to secure homes and businesses can significantly mitigate the risk of becoming a statistic in these categories.

Crime Trends in Birkenhead

Birkenhead's crime trend is currently stable, with a 5.0% change year-over-year. This indicates that while the town has a higher volume of crime than its neighbours, the situation is not worsening significantly. Monthly data shows a consistent level of activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents typically ranging between 8.2 and 11.1.

The town saw its highest activity during the summer and autumn months, with a peak of 11.1 in July 2025 and 11.0 in August. Another high point occurred in October with a rate of 10.6. These peaks coincide with periods of high footfall and social activity. The year ended on a slightly lower note, with the rate dropping back to 9.6 in November. For residents and businesses, this stability suggests a predictable environment where crime levels are managed, even if they remain higher than the regional average.

How To Keep Safe in Birkenhead

The most frequent crime type in Birkenhead is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated in the town centre and near late-night venues. Staying safe in these areas requires a combination of awareness and planning.

When using the town centre or public transport links, particularly in the evening, stay in well-lit, busy areas. Plan your route in advance and avoid taking shortcuts through isolated areas or parks after dark. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use licensed taxis or the Merseyrail network, which has its own security presence.

For residents, home security is paramount. Ensure all doors and windows are fitted with sturdy locks and that your property's exterior is well-lit. Anti-social behaviour can often be deterred by making a property look occupied and well-maintained. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group to stay informed about activity on your street.

Finally, be cautious with personal belongings in crowded areas. Opportunistic theft and shoplifting are common in retail zones. Keep bags zipped and avoid displaying expensive jewellery or phones. Reporting any suspicious activity to the police promptly helps them target patrols more effectively in the town's most active areas.

Crime Timing in Birkenhead

Crime in Birkenhead follows a clear urban cycle. In the morning (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences account for 36% of activity, largely driven by the opening of the town's extensive retail and commercial sectors. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft rises to 39% and burglary reaches 16%, suggesting opportunistic crime during peak business hours.

The evening (6pm - 12am) sees a major shift; 'other' crimes—primarily anti-social behaviour and public order offences—spike to 64% of all reports. This aligns with the town's evening economy and social activity. During the night (12am - 6am), the focus moves to property; vehicle crime accounts for 28% of incidents and burglary for 17%. These figures indicate that while social disturbances are an evening issue, the risk to unattended property and cars is highest in the early morning hours when the town is quietest.

In a regional comparison, Birkenhead (119.0 per 1,000) is the most active area in the Wirral. It has a higher crime rate than neighbouring Wallasey (82.1) and is significantly more active than the suburban areas of Greasby (25.3) and Heswall (32.7). This is largely due to Birkenhead's role as the peninsula's main industrial and retail hub, which naturally attracts more footfall and associated incidents. While the numbers are higher, Birkenhead provides essential services for these quieter neighbours. For those considering the region, the contrast between Birkenhead's urban activity and the surrounding residential zones is a key factor in choosing a location.

With a property crime rate of 31.3 per 1,000 in Birkenhead, homeowners and businesses need more than just standard security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, but often fail to prevent it. In a busy urban environment, having footage of a break-in is less valuable than stopping the break-in from occurring in the first place.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution through AI-powered multi-camera intelligence. By monitoring your property boundary in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your door. This is particularly vital during the night-time hours, when vehicle crime and burglary account for 45% of incidents. scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, while its DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious cars. For those in Birkenhead, scOS provides an autonomous layer of protection that turns a vulnerable property into a hard target, preventing crime before it can impact your life.