Top 12 Most Dangerous Areas in Merseyside

Merseyside is one of the most famous counties in England and is well known for its culture, music, history, maritime, and more. It is also called the birthplace of the “Beatles” which is a music genre many people love.

This county contains 5 metropolitan boroughs, including several cities and towns. Some of the areas in Merseyside are the safest while others are too aggressive and dangerous.

If you are an old reader of Guard Mark Security‘s blogs, you know that we often talk about the crime rates in the different counties, cities, and parts of England and Wales to educate our readers.

In today’s blog, we are going to discuss the crime rates in Merseyside, and once we get an overall picture of how crime looks in Merseyside, we will discuss the top 12 most dangerous areas with their crime rates in this county. So, without wasting any time, let’s start with the overall crime rate in Merseyside.

What is the Crime Rate in Merseyside?

When talking about the crime rates in Merseyside, it’s 97 crimes per 1,000 people as per the most recent batch of data as of the year ending Sep 2024. When compared with the other major counties of England and Wales, 97 crimes per 1,000 people is a pretty decent number.

The most common and prominent crimes that happened in Merseyside in 2023 and 2024 are violent crimes and sexual offences. Moreover, when looking at the crime count, Liverpool is the worst and most dangerous area in Merseyside.

But when looking with the eye of crime rate, Prescot is the worst with 154.68 crimes per 1,000 people. This city has a small population, but the crime rate here is high, which makes the average worse than any other town or city in Merseyside.

What are the Most Common Types of Crimes in Merseyside?

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Merseyside in 2024:

The above list shows the different crimes that happened in Merseyside in 2024. Now that we have an overview of the crime rate and the number of crimes in Merseyside, let’s discuss the top 20 most dangerous areas of Merseyside to have a clearer picture.

Top 12 Most Dangerous Areas in Merseyside

Here is a list of the top 12 most dangerous areas in Merseyside. Please remember that the ranking of these areas is based on the number of crimes that happened in 2024, not on the crime rate per 1,000 people.

1- Liverpool

124.42 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 62,912 Total Criminal Offences

Liverpool is one of the most famous and well-known cities in the UK and millions of tourists visit this city every year. This city is mostly known for its music, cultural attractions, and history.

When talking about the crime rate, Liverpool has an overall crime rate of 124.42 per 1,000 people. Moreover, the residents have faced 62,912 total criminal offences and incidents in 2024.

Crimes by Types in Liverpool

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Liverpool in 2024:

2- St Helens

134.33 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 11,722 Total Criminal Offences

St Helens is well known for its modern glass industry, its amazing rugby team, and world-class museums. This place is also known as the birthplace of the modern glass industry.

When discussing the crime rates, St Helens is on the 2nd spot with 11,722 total number of crimes and incidents that happened in a single year. When looking at the crime rate of this area, it’s overall crime rate is 134.33 crimes per 1,000 people.

Crimes by Types in St Helens

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in St Helens in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 1,251 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 71 Incidents
Burglary: 387 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 1,055 Offences
Drugs: 987 Offences
Other Crime: 301 Incidents
Other Theft: 846 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 110 Offences
Public Order: 1,328 Offences
Robbery: 65 Incidents
Shoplifting: 756 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 61 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 342 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 5,413 Incidents

3- Birkenhead

116.28 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 11,217 Total Criminal Offences

Birkenhead is one of the famous areas in Merseyside, mostly known for its shipbuilding history and engineering heritage. The crime rate in Birkenhead is so high that it ranks 3rd on our list.

In the last year, the residents of Merseyside have faced a total of 11,217 crimes and other illegal activities with an overall crime rate of 116.28 Crimes Per 1,000 People.

Crimes by Types in Birkenhead

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Birkenhead in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 1,111 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 81 Incidents
Burglary: 338 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 1,149 Offences
Drugs: 794 Offences
Other Crime: 292 Incidents
Other Theft: 634 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 109 Offences
Public Order: 1,484 Offences
Robbery: 74 Incidents
Shoplifting: 556 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 41 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 365 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 5,300 Incidents

4- Southport

90.95 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 7,324 Total Criminal Offences

Southport is one of the major areas in Merseyside and is famous for its Victorian architecture, dunes, and ports. A huge number of tourists visit its sandy beaches every year to spend some quality time with their loved ones.

Despite having some of the most positive attributes, the crime rate here is increasing and the area is in the top 5. The overall crime rate in Southport is 90.95 crimes per 1,000 people, and the total number of crimes is 7,324, according to the most recent batch of data.

Crimes by Types in Southport

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Southport in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 690 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 69 Incidents
Burglary: 199 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 558 Offences
Drugs: 505 Offences
Other Crime: 140 Incidents
Other Theft: 448 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 58 Offences
Public Order: 914 Offences
Robbery: 48 Incidents
Shoplifting: 575 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 25 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 240 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 3,545 Incidents

5- Bootle

123.17 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 6,730 Total Criminal Offences

If you are a football lover, then you must be aware of Bootle due to its association with some of the most famous footballers. Moreover, the Docks of Bootle are part of the Atlantic Gateway which makes them one of the top attractions in the UK.

When talking about the crime rates in Bootle, its overall crime rate is 123.17 crimes per 1,000 population, making it one of the top 5 most dangerous areas in Merseyside. Moreover, Bootle has faced 6,730 total offences and criminal incidents in 2024.

Crimes by Types in Bootle

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Bootle in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 624 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 61 Incidents
Burglary: 222 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 603 Offences
Drugs: 505 Offences
Other Crime: 140 Incidents
Other Theft: 398 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 59 Offences
Public Order: 806 Offences
Robbery: 38 Incidents
Shoplifting: 354 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 22 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 288 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 3,201 Incidents

6- Wallasey

93.01 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 6,058 Total Criminal Offences

Wallasey is the birthplace of one of the world-renowned chefs, Paul Hollywood, and is mostly known for its beautiful and amazing beaches.

When discussing the crime rates in Wallasey, the overall crime rate here is 93.01 crimes per 1,000 people. Moreover, the residents of this area have faced 6,058 total number of criminal and illegal activities in a single year.

Crimes by Types in Wallasey

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Wallasey in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 841 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 52 Incidents
Burglary: 191 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 664 Offences
Drugs: 355 Offences
Other Crime: 176 Incidents
Other Theft: 339 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 53 Offences
Public Order: 708 Offences
Robbery: 49 Incidents
Shoplifting: 259 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 29 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 179 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 3,004 Incidents

7- Kirkby

105.12 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 3,895 Total Criminal Offences

Kirkby is home to many famous personalities including Stephen Graham, Tricia Penrose, Steve Rotheram, and John Conteh. Moreover, this area is well known for its history and industrial development.

When discussing the crime rate here, the overall crime rate in Kirkby is 105.12 and the area has witnessed almost 3,895 crimes over the period of one year.

Crimes by Types in Kirkby

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Kirkby in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 355 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 20 Incidents
Burglary: 116 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 407 Offences
Drugs: 438 Offences
Other Crime: 115 Incidents
Other Theft: 231 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 33 Offences
Public Order: 410 Offences
Robbery: 26 Incidents
Shoplifting: 171 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 5 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 118 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 3,805 Incidents

8- Crosby

83.50 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 3,210 Total Criminal Offences

Crosby offers a lot of outdoor activities due to its natural views and landscapes. Moreover, this area has an amazing beach and multiple parks that enhance its tourism.

Despite having a good number of tourists, the crime rate here is on the rise. The overall crime rate in Crosby is 83.50 crimes per 1,000 people and the area has faced almost 3,210 crimes over the year in 2024.

Crimes by Types in Crosby

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Crosby in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 385 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 28 Incidents
Burglary: 138 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 289 Offences
Drugs: 198 Offences
Other Crime: 82 Incidents
Other Theft: 198 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 25 Offences
Public Order: 375 Offences
Robbery: 24 Incidents
Shoplifting: 171 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 6 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 152 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 3,524 Incidents

9- Bebington

62.99 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 2,917 Total Criminal Offences

When compared with the other areas in Merseyside including Liverpool and St Helens, Bebington is the area where people wish to live due to its standard of living and attractions.

When discussing its crime rate, it’s comparatively lower than the other major areas of Merseyside. The overall crime rate in Bebington is 62.99 crimes per 1,000 people, and the total number of recorded crimes is 2,917, according to the 2024 data.

Crimes by Types in Bebington

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Bebington in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 349 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 20 Incidents
Burglary: 85 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 294 Offences
Drugs: 112 Offences
Other Crime: 69 Incidents
Other Theft: 203 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 21 Offences
Public Order: 330 Offences
Robbery: 17 Incidents
Shoplifting: 291 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 9 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 106 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 1,360 Incidents

10- Newton-le-Willows

148.90 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 2,163 Total Criminal Offences

Newton-le-Willows is famous for its industrial history and is the 2nd most dangerous small-sized town in Merseyside. Due to its small size and lower population. The crime rate here is high and is slightly decreased when compared with the crime statistics of 2023.

When looking at the overall crime rate of Newton-le-Willows, it’s 148.90 crimes per 1,000 people and the residents have faced 2,163 total number of criminal and illegal activities over the year 2024.

Crimes by Types in Newton-le-Willows

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Newton-le-Willows in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 193 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 8 Incidents
Burglary: 53 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 192 Offences
Drugs: 110 Offences
Other Crime: 53 Incidents
Other Theft: 153 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 11 Offences
Public Order: 274 Offences
Robbery: 6 Incidents
Shoplifting: 152 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 8 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 145 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 998 Incidents

11- Prescot

154.68 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 1,703 Total Criminal Offences

Prescot is one of the oldest towns in Merseyside and is famous for its watchmaking history and theatres. When looking at the crime statistics, it is the most dangerous small-sized area in Merseyside.

The overall crime rate in Prescot is 154.68 crimes per 1,000 people and the area has witnessed almost 1,703 criminal and illegal incidents over the year 2024.

Crimes by Types in Prescot

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Prescot in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 230 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 2 Incidents
Burglary: 39 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 179 Offences
Drugs: 167 Offences
Other Crime: 39 Incidents
Other Theft: 86 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 23 Offences
Public Order: 233 Offences
Robbery: 3 Incidents
Shoplifting: 217 Incidents
Theft From the Person: 4 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 19 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 692 Incidents

12- Litherland

110.07 Crimes Per 1,000 People | 1,428 Total Criminal Offences

Now last but not least, Litherland is the 12th most dangerous area in Merseyside. Litherland is famous for the Liverpool and Leeds Canal and the Litherland Gala.

Litherland is the 3rd most dangerous small-sized area in Merseyside and has an overall crime rate of 110.07 crimes per 1,000 people. When talking about the total number of recorded crimes in Litherland, there are 1,428 crimes and other illegal incidents.

Crimes by Types in Litherland

Here is the list of some of the most common and prominent crimes that happened in Litherland in 2024:

Anti-Social Behaviour: 152 Incidents
Bicycle Theft: 14 Incidents
Burglary: 34 Incidents
Criminal Damage and Arson: 100 Offences
Drugs: 123 Offences
Other Crime: 37 Incidents
Other Theft: 85 Incidents
Possession of Weapons: 10 Offences
Public Order: 173 Offences
Robbery: 10 Incidents
Shoplifting: 57 Incidents
Vehicle Crime: 64 Incidents
Violence and Sexual Offences: 721 Incidents

How Have We Sourced This Data?

At Guard Mark Security, our number one priority is to provide you with the most trusted and legitimate data. For this blog post, we have done our complete research and sourced data from different platforms, including Crime Rate.

Crime Rate is one of the most trusted platforms that provide crime statistics related to all counties, regions, cities, and towns of the United Kingdom. You can visit their website as well to ensure all the statistics we have mentioned are correct.

Safety Tips and Recommendations for Living in Merseyside

There are certain areas in Merseyside where the crime rate is high and you need to ensure that both your commercial and residential properties are secure. However, such incidents can happen anywhere. So no matter if your area is on the above-mentioned list or not, you must take proactive measures to ensure the security of both your house and business.

Guard Mark Security has been providing security guarding services for years and has experience that can help you secure your assets. Here are some of the tips and recommendations you can adapt to ensure the security and protection of your house, family, business, assets, and more:

For Residential Properties:

Secure Your Home

Locking your home is one of the crucial things you can do. Try always to lock both your doors and windows even when you are at home. Moreover, you can install CCTV cameras and motion sensors in your home for enhanced security. These cameras and motion sensors can be connected to your phone and alert via notification if they detect any threat.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Always analyse your surroundings carefully and use the well-lit areas while walking at night. As an experienced security guarding company, we don’t recommend people to walk alone at night. But if you have to, always use the busy and well-lit roads.

Report Suspicious Activity

Never ignore any suspicious person or activity because you can be the next target if you don’t report such persons and activities. Call the police and report such kind of activities as soon as possible.

For Business and Commercial Properties

Hire the Security Guarding Services

Hiring security guarding services can be the best investment you can make for your business. These well-trained security guards ensure your property is secure. More importantly, the security guards conduct different patrols around your business premises during non-working hours, which keeps the intruders away.

Keyholding Services

As an experienced and professional security guarding company, we haven’t seen anything else much more effective than keyholding services. In keyholding services, the security company securely holds a pair of keys and ensures prompt and quick action in case of identifying any potential threat.

Imagine it’s the middle of the night, heavily snowing, and you are having a peaceful sleep. One of your motion sensor alarms triggers, and now you have to go to the premises just to check if everything is fine.

With professional keyholding services by your side, you don’t have to come to check the alarm. Instead, the keyholding officer will reach your premises ASAP, check everything, and create a report to inform you of the reason for the trigger.

Security Audits

Conduct regular security audits of your premises to ensure all the CCTV cameras and motion sensor alarms are working fine.

Best Security Guarding Services in Merseyside

If you are a business owner or a commercial property owner looking for security services in Merseyside, you are at the right place. At Guard Mark Security, we have been providing security services in Merseyside for years and have helped hundreds of businesses protect their premises, assets, employees, and customers.

Moreover, all our security guards are SIA licenced and are vetted as per BS7858 standards, ensuring complete trustworthiness. At Guard Mark Security, our services include:

Door Supervisions
Security Guarding
Corporate Guarding
Key Holding Services
Close Protection & Body Guard Services
Event Security
Concrete Barriers
Dog Handling and K9 Security Services
Mobile CCTV Tower Services
Remote CCTV Monitoring Services
Warehouse and Retail Store Detective Services