Is Liverpool Safe?

Quick Facts: Liverpool Crime Profile

Overall Crime Rate: 107 crimes per 1,000 people. While high, this is a decrease from previous years, now sitting at 48% higher than the England, Wales & Northern Ireland average.

Most Dangerous Areas:

• City Centre South: 315 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Everton East: 198 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Toxteth: 185 crimes per 1,000 people.

Safest Areas:

• Childwall West: 32 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Woolton: 38 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Aigburth & Grassendale: 41 crimes per 1,000 people.

Most Common Crimes: Violence and Sexual Offences: 42 reports per 1,000 people (The most frequent category).

Public Order Crimes: 18 reports per 1,000 people.

Drug-Related Offending: This is Liverpool’s most disproportionate stat, sitting at 338% of the national average.

Source: Crimerate

Is Liverpool Safe?

As of early 2026, Liverpool records 107 crimes per 1,000 people. This is still higher than the national average, though it has fallen from 135 in 2023. The drop shows steady progress.

Burglary is down by 8.5%, pointing to better property security. However, violence and sexual offences remain a concern, with 42 cases per 1,000 people.

Even with these challenges, the city continues to improve. Strong CCTV coverage and visible policing in the centre and waterfront areas help manage risk. Liverpool is changing. It remains busy, but safer than before for residents, students, and visitors.

Is Liverpool a Safe Place to Live?

Liverpool can still be a safe place to live if you choose the right area. The city’s crime rate now stands at 107 per 1,000 people. Some suburbs are much safer. Places like Childwall West and Woolton have low crime and a calm feel.

Busier zones tell a different story. Areas such as City Centre South and Everton East see far higher rates due to nightlife and retail activity.

Violence remains a concern, but burglary has dropped by 8.5%. With the right location and basic awareness, living in Liverpool can feel both safe and rewarding.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Liverpool?

Liverpool, like many urban areas, experiences a range of crimes, with notable differences in the frequency of offences. Recent crime statistics provide a clear picture of the city’s crime profile:

• Violence and sexual offences: Over 25,000 cases reported, making this the most common issue
• Drug-related crime: Around 7,800 incidents, with rates much higher than the national average
• Public order offences: Nearly 6,900 cases, often linked to busy areas
• Criminal damage and arson: Over 5,200 incidents affecting local communities
• Anti-social behaviour: A visible problem across key parts of the city
• Shoplifting: Ongoing issue in high-footfall retail locations

Despite this, there are signs of progress. The overall crime rate has fallen to 107 per 1,000 people. Burglary has also dropped over recent years. The trend shows slow but steady improvement across the city.

Is Crime in Liverpool Increasing?

Liverpool’s recent crime data shows a mix of clear progress and areas that still need attention. Key trends include:

• A 44.8% decrease in theft from the person crime. 
• A 30.2% reduction in vehicle crime. 
• A 27.3% drop in public order incidents. 
• A 20.2% decline in bicycle theft crime.

These reductions reflect significant strides in addressing certain types of crime, driven by effective law enforcement and community engagement. However, some challenges remain. Increases in shoplifting and other crimes highlight areas that still require attention.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Liverpool?

Like any large city, Liverpool has neighbourhoods where crime rates are higher than the city’s average. Based on the latest 2026 data, the areas with the highest crime rates are:

• City Centre South: 315 crimes per 1,000 people. 
• Everton East: 198 crimes per 1,000 people. 
• Toxteth: 185 crimes per 1,000 people.

While these figures may seem high, many incidents are focused on busy hotspots such as nightlife areas, transport hubs, and retail zones. Residential streets are often quieter with strong CCTV coverage and active policing, and safety continues to improve.

What Are the Safest Areas in Liverpool?

Liverpool also offers areas known for calm living and lower crime levels. These neighbourhoods suit families, professionals, and students who want a quieter setting without losing access to the city. Based on recent figures, some of the safest areas include:

• Childwall West: 32 crimes per 1,000 people. 
• Woolton: 38 crimes per 1,000 people. 
• Aigburth & Grassendale: 41 crimes per 1,000 people.

These locations are known for strong community ties and steady environments. Streets feel more settled, and daily life tends to be less disrupted by incidents. Reports of burglary and anti-social behaviour are lower compared to other parts of the city.

Residents benefit from a sense of security while still being close to Liverpool’s wider culture, parks, and local amenities. It creates a balanced lifestyle that many people look for.

How Does Liverpool Compare to Other UK Cities?

For people who question, ” Is Liverpool Safe?” It has improved over the past year, but it still sits above several major UK cities for crime. The current rate stands at around 107 crimes per 1,000 people. This is lower than before, yet still higher than places like Sheffield and Nottingham.

Recent comparisons show:

• Sheffield: 84.6
• Nottingham: 104.2
• Birmingham: 104.4
• Liverpool: 106.5
• Leeds: 108.4
• National average: 72.7

This places Liverpool among the higher-risk cities, though not the worst. It ranks third among major cities, but much lower when all UK locations are included.

How Does Liverpool Compare Globally?

Liverpool holds a safety score of 52.8 on Numbeo’s safety index, ranking 117th out of 155 other cities on the list. It ranks safer than places like Barcelona and Milan, where street theft is more common. However, it still falls behind cities such as Stockholm and Berlin.

The city’s crime rate stands at 107 per 1,000 people, keeping it among the higher-risk UK cities. Even so, some areas are improving. Burglary has dropped, and theft from the person has fallen over time.

While challenges remain, Liverpool compares reasonably well on a global level and continues to improve.

How to Stay Safe in Liverpool: Practical Tips

Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, there are several effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime:

For Residents

• Secure Your Home: Install high-quality locks, reinforce doors, and ensure your property is well-lit to deter intruders.
• Invest in Security Technology: CCTV cameras and alarm systems are powerful deterrents and can help monitor suspicious activity.
• Protect Your Belongings: Keep valuables out of sight, both inside your home and in your vehicle, to minimize the risk of theft.

For Businesses

Businesses, especially those in higher-risk areas, should consider professional security services to enhance safety:

• Alarm response and keyholding to provide peace of mind by ensuring prompt action during off-hours if alarms are triggered.
• Mobile patrols to deter potential criminals and reassure both staff and customers.
• On-site security personnel ensure continuous protection, and safeguard employees, customers, and property.

Conclusion: How Safe is Liverpool?

While some areas of Liverpool have higher crime rates, the city also has many neighbourhoods known for their safety and strong community feel. However, it’s worth noting that Liverpool is considered the most dangerous major city in Merseyside.

Even though its crime rates are above the national average, many parts of Liverpool remain secure and offer a comfortable living environment. By staying informed and following basic safety precautions, residents and visitors can confidently enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Choose Region Security Guarding for Reliable Security Solutions in Liverpool

At Region Security Guarding, we have been dedicated to protecting the residents and businesses of Liverpool for over a decade. As a leading provider in the security industry, we offer unmatched expertise and qualifications:

• SIA-accredited professionals ensuring top-quality service.
• 24/7, 365 protection for your business, keeping it secure at all times.

Whether you need SIA-licensed security guards, mobile patrols, or tailored security solutions, our team is ready to assist.

Contact us today to discover how we can help keep you safe and secure in Liverpool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Liverpool Safe Compared To Other European Cities?

Liverpool sits in the mid-range for safety. It is safer than some cities where street theft is common, but it falls behind places with lower crime levels. Overall, it is improving, though not among the safest in Europe.

2. What Does Liverpool’s Safety Score Mean?

The safety score gives a general view of crime risk in the city. It does not reflect every street or area. Some parts feel calm and secure, while others have higher activity.

3. Is Liverpool Safe For Tourists In 2026?

Most visits to Liverpool are safe. Busy areas like the city centre and waterfront are well monitored. Basic awareness, especially at night, helps avoid problems.

4. Why Does Liverpool Have A Higher Crime Rate Than Some Cities?

Liverpool has higher levels of certain crimes, including violence and drug-related offences. This is often linked to busy nightlife areas and urban activity.

5. Is Crime In Liverpool Going Down?

Yes, there are clear signs of improvement. Burglary, theft, and vehicle crime have all dropped in recent years. The trend shows steady progress across the city.