Crime rates in Liverpool are low compared with most other large cities in the UK. You are no more likely to be a victim here than most other European cities. However, as in other cities, you should observe a few simple precautions. Don't leave valuables on display in an unattended car, for example. Even an empty car will get a smashed window from time to time, so try to park yours at private parks when the night comes. Try to stay aware of your surroundings and be discreet with cash, expensive camera equipment, etc.
Contrary to what people from Manchester would have you believe, Scousers are gregarious people, but there are still those who seek to take advantage. You will find, howeever, that Mancs and Scousers get along much better than the stereotype suggests and you will very often come across each in each others city. Be particularly aware of people who approach you in the street with stories of having lost their train fare home. These are typically begging techniques.
Stay on the beaten track at night and stick to the many themed pub and bars and avoid some of the larger dance clubs as these are more suited to streetwise locals or people who understand Liverpool culture well, although to be fair, most Scousers will welcome anyone to their city, and especially their clubs! Be prepared to wait for a taxi at night and don't be tempted to walk back to your hotel unless you are close by. Although Liverpool is a wonderfully friendly place, as with most major cities a slightly sinister side appears after hours.
Some of the City's districts should be avoided by non-locals. Areas such as Croxteth, Dovecot, Everton, Huyton, Kensington, Kirkdale, Norris Green, Page Moss, Stockbridge Village and Toxteth are seeing some serious issues with gang related violence including increases in gun and knife crime.
Around the city centre, be aware there are many homeless people, especially around William Brown Street near the museums. Unlike, in, say, the United States of America or other parts of the United Kingdom, these are less likely to pose a threat to you, and although they may beg for money, they tend to be friendly and often want to talk about their backstories openly with you. Give them money, but at your own risk, as long as it's small change.
Also, older women may and often do flirt with younger men, but accept this part of the Liverpool cultural milieu. This also applies to the homelessness situation mentioned above, which much the same situation tends to happen. This should not be confused with prostitution mentioned below. It is explicitly not solicitation, and is just flirting.
Although prostitution is legal in the UK, solicitation is illegal and it is a fact of life in all major cities, Liverpool being no exception. The "Red Light" areas are as follows: around Netherfield Road North and the Shiel Road area of Kensington. Although quiet during the day, there is a lot of business at night and particularly on weekends. Women walking by themselves have been known to be approached by men looking for prostitutes and people in vehicles have been known to be approached by prostitutes looking for business.
Avoid Manchester United shirts, which worn in the wrong place makes you an easy target for abuse or worse, especially on match day.
A friendly manner, a polite smile, and a sense of humour go a long way in this city, but a sensible approach to travelling is, as always, advisable.
Be aware that the streetlighting Urbis Evolo 2, shown [on the right-hand side of the picture] is brighter than you might expect, and drive more cautiously. These streetlights are common across the city centre and in Kensington. Drive much more cautiously if you see them. These are less common outside of Liverpool. Americans may be used to bright lights, but Evolos are really bright.
The Hillsborough football disaster in 1989, in which 96 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death, is a very sensitive subject. Jokes about this or any comments which incriminate Liverpool are NOT advised, this is most likely to cause serious offence.
