The West Midlands region, a vital hub in the UK, encompasses Birmingham—Britain’s second largest city, the storied Black Country, and stretches of idyllic countryside paired with vibrant cultural centers. This region, a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, houses nearly 6 million residents, and stands as a testament to the oft-overlooked brilliance of the area amidst the usual North-South England debates.
However, like any region, the West Midlands faces challenges, notably in the realm of crime which affects all aspects of life. For those considering settling in the area or entrepreneurs planning to start new ventures here, understanding the nuances of local safety is vital. The right insights can guide your choices, impacting both personal life and business ventures concerning safety and security.
In our detailed analysis, we aim to highlight the regions within the West Midlands that pose more significant risks. We’ll look at the latest crime statistics, focusing on trends and weapon-related offenses, providing crucial information for those concerned with personal and business security in the area.
Crime Rates in the West Midlands: A Broad Overview
The densely populated urban areas surrounding Birmingham, including cities like Wolverhampton and Coventry, contribute to the West Midlands’ high crime rate. The region reports 95.1 offenses per 100 people, ranking it as the fifth most challenging area in the UK in terms of criminal activity. The total number of offenses recorded is 572,937, a figure close to those seen in Yorkshire and the North West.
Composition of Crime in the Region
The primary types of crime in the West Midlands mirror those across much of the UK, with theft offenses accounting for 32% and violent crime making up 42% of the total. The area also experiences steady rates of public order offenses and criminal damage, each at 9%. Notably, the region reports higher incidents of sexual crimes at 3.5% and weapon possession at 1.7% compared to other major urban centers like London, raising concerns about personal safety among residents.
Trends and Changes in Crime Rates
Despite the concerning statistics, the West Midlands has seen a slight decline in crime, with an overall reduction of 3% over the past year. This decline includes significant decreases in public order offenses and violent crime. However, there has been a notable rise in shoplifting by 30%, reflecting a trend linked to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, indicating that not all crime categories are experiencing reductions.
The 25 Most Dangerous Areas In The West Midlands Revealed
25. Walsall
Crime Rate: 111.5 Per 1000 People
Walsall is one of the West Midlands’ principal shopping destinations outside the major cities, drawing shoppers from all over the region. However, the town is also known for its high crime rate, which stands at 111.5 incidents per 1000 residents, tallying up to 31,678 total crimes. This high level of criminal activity earns Walsall a spot on this list.
24. Polesworth
Crime Rate: 113.5 Per 1000 People
In the scenic countryside of Warwickshire, Polesworth is more than just a charming village near Tamworth; it’s a cultural hub with a notable history involving several prominent poets. Regrettably, Polesworth experiences a crime rate of 113.5 offenses per 1000 people, resulting in 956 crimes, tarnishing its idyllic reputation.
23. Coventry
Crime Rate: 113.6 Per 1000 People
Coventry, a major city in the West Midlands, is celebrated for its rich history and significant modern appeal. Despite its attractions, Coventry faces a crime rate of 113.6 per 1000 residents, with an alarming total of 41,675 crimes, affecting both residents and visitors alike.
22. Telford
Crime Rate: 116.4 Per 1000 People
Located along the serene River Severn and nestled between areas of natural beauty, Telford’s setting might suggest tranquility. Yet, the town records a crime rate of 116.4 per 1000 people, totaling 16,606 offenses, which starkly contrasts with the peaceful landscape.
21. Aldridge
Crime Rate: 118.9 Per 1000 People
Aldridge, with its roots deep in the Industrial Revolution as a coal-mining center, has evolved over the decades. The town now reports a crime rate of 118.9 per 1000 residents, translating to 3,208 offenses, indicating a significant shift from its historically lower crime levels.
20. Dudley
Crime Rate: 118.9 Per 1000 People
Dudley, known as the heart of the Industrial Revolution, today attracts visitors for its historical sites including a castle, zoo, and ancient ruins. Despite its cultural and historical appeal, Dudley suffers from a high crime rate of 118.9 offenses per 1000 people, summing up to nearly 9,440 crimes.
19. Oswestry
Crime Rate: 119.9 Per 1,000 People
Located in the heart of a Shropshire salient that reaches into Welsh territories, Oswestry often feels more Welsh than English to locals. This market town is known for landmarks such as Old Oswestry—an iron age hillfort—and the Oswestry Guildhall. Despite its smaller size and rural charm, the town sees 119.9 crimes per 1,000 people, totaling 1,872 incidents, a number that surpasses many of its neighboring Welsh localities.
18. Stratford-upon-Avon
Crime Rate: 122.7 Per 1,000 People
Famous as the birthplace and final resting place of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon leverages its rich heritage through a variety of museums and attractions related to Shakespeare and Tudor history. Despite its cultural wealth and tourist appeal, the town experiences a crime rate of 122.7 per 1,000 people, accumulating 3,741 reported incidents.
17. Bilston
Crime Rate: 122.8 Per 1,000 People
Positioned strategically between Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Dudley, Bilston is a town that has transitioned from a coal mining hub to a part of the urban sprawl. This change has perhaps influenced its crime rate of 122.8 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 4,254 criminal incidents reported.
16. Pershore
Crime Rate: 124.1 Per 1,000 People
Pershore is located along the River Avon and is celebrated for its historical Anglo-Saxon Abbey, now a parish church. Despite its peaceful setting and abundant green spaces, Pershore reports a crime rate of 124.1 per 1,000 residents, which translates to 1,043 total crimes.
15. Stoke-on-Trent
Crime Rate: 127.5 Per 1,000 People
As Staffordshire’s premier city and the heart of the UK’s pottery industry, Stoke-on-Trent is central to the West Midlands’ cultural identity. Surprisingly, this city has a high crime rate of 127.5 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a total of 31,755 offences.
14. Kingswinford
Crime Rate: 129.5 Per 1,000 People
Kingswinford lies on the outskirts of Dudley and offers a blend of urban convenience and rural serenity. However, the crime rate here reaches 129.5 per 1,000 residents, totaling 6,723 offences, indicating that urban crime influences even its quieter suburbs.
13. Leominster
Crime Rate: 130.0 Per 1,000 People
Leominster, a significant market town in Herefordshire, is encircled by the countryside and near the River Lugg. Despite its isolated and rural environment, Leominster encounters a crime rate of 130 per 1,000 residents, with 1,457 offences noted over the last year.
12. Brierley Hill
Crime Rate: 130.8 per 1,000 Residents
Originally known for its vital roles in the glass and steel industries, Brierley Hill has transitioned into a modern urban center, now housing one of the UK’s largest shopping malls. This modernity, however, is shadowed by a significant crime rate of 130.8 per 1,000 people, totaling 4,225 recorded incidents.
11. Wolverhampton
Crime Rate: 132.3 per 1,000 Residents
Wolverhampton, a city rich in history with links to steel production and home to the Wolverhampton Wanderers football team, faces substantial safety challenges. The city reports a crime rate of 132.3 per 1,000 people, summing up to an alarming 33,209 incidents.
10. Birmingham
Crime Rate: 134.3 per 1,000 Residents
Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, is a bustling hub with attractions like the Bullring shopping center and significant sports venues. Unfortunately, its popularity also correlates with high crime levels, with an overall rate of 134.3 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, reaching a staggering total of 152,697 incidents.
9. Wednesbury
Crime Rate: 135.7 per 1,000 Residents
Situated centrally among major West Midlands cities, Wednesbury offers a rich mix of cultural and industrial heritage, evident in its vibrant high street and historical buildings. However, the crime rate here is on the rise, with 135.7 offences per 1,000 residents, leading to 5,131 crimes over the past year.
8. Droitwich Spa
Crime Rate: 135.8 per 1,000 Residents
The serene town of Droitwich Spa, known for its historical salt and brine industries and the popular lido, faces growing safety concerns. With a crime rate of 135.8 per 1,000 people, the town recorded 5,131 offences, challenging its peaceful reputation.
7. Bromsgrove
Crime Rate: 138.0 per 1,000 Residents
Bromsgrove, a traditional market town with a strong manufacturing background in simpler industries, reports crime rates comparable to more industrialized towns. With 138 crimes per 1,000 residents, the town has experienced 4,034 offences, underscoring significant safety concerns.
offenses. This escalation poses a challenge to maintaining community safety and security.
5. Tipton
Crime Rate: 141.4 Per 1000 People
Historically pivotal, Tipton’s legacy in the Industrial Revolution is notable, particularly as the birthplace of the steam engine. Yet, this rich history contrasts with a high crime rate of 141.4 per 1000 residents, resulting in 5,484 crimes, which significantly impacts the area’s safety profile.
4. Bedworth
Crime Rate: 142.8 Per 1000 People
Bedworth, known for its market town charm and proximity to Coventry, often has its crime issues overlooked due to its scenic and quieter reputation. However, the reality speaks differently, with a crime rate of 142.8 per 1000 people, indicating a total of 4,376 offenses, making it an area of concern for residents and visitors alike.
3. Oldbury
Crime Rate: 143.3 Per 1000 People
Located amid several urban centers with high crime rates, Oldbury’s own crime statistics have climbed to 143.3 incidents per 1000 inhabitants, aggregating to 6,474 crimes. The area’s retail expansion has unfortunately also seen an increase in shoplifting, impacting local businesses.
2. Evesham
Crime Rate: 146.0 Per 1000 People
Evesham, nestled in its namesake valley and enriched with historical significance due to ancient battles and a once-majestic abbey, faces modern challenges with a crime rate of 146 per 1000 people. This results in 4,043 reported incidents, reflecting the pressing issues facing this historic town.
1. Brownhills
Crime Rate: 151.5 Per 1000 People
Brownhills, although smaller compared to other towns in the West Midlands, experiences the highest crime rate in the region. Once thriving with mining, the town has faced economic challenges since the industry’s decline, contributing to a high crime rate of 151.5 per 1000 residents, totaling 3,126 offenses. The community now confronts these issues, striving for rejuvenation and safety.
Key Crime Trends Across The West Midlands
The West Midlands has observed a general decline in criminal activity, with an overall drop of 3% in reported crimes, bringing a measure of relief to the community. This trend points to a potential continuation of crime reduction in the future.
However, not all news is reassuring. Shoplifting incidents have surged by 30%, reflecting a significant increase. Similarly, other theft-related offences, including burglaries and personal thefts, have escalated by 13%. Economic pressures and the cost-of-living crisis are often cited as primary drivers behind these increases.
On a brighter note, there has been a notable decrease in several other categories of crime. Stalking and harassment have reduced by 13%, public order offences by 12%, and violent crimes have seen an 8% reduction. These declining trends provide hope for continued improvement in public safety within the region.
Weapon Offences Across The West Midlands
Weapon-related crimes continue to be a significant concern in the region. Knife crime, in particular, has shown a worrying stability with a negligible increase from the previous year. This stability suggests that knife-related incidents remain a persistent issue.
Conversely, gun crime has seen a decrease of 9% since the last year. This reduction is a positive development given the severe impacts of firearm-related incidents. The continued efforts to reduce gun crime in the community are thus showing promising results.
How We Source Our Data
Our approach to data gathering is transparent and methodical. We source all crime data directly from publicly available police reports. This data includes a detailed breakdown of crimes per 1,000 residents, allowing for accurate comparisons across different areas considering population density and regional characteristics.
Our review process ensures that our data remains current, with biannual updates that reflect the most recent crime statistics and trends. This rigorous process helps provide a clear and updated overview of crime in the West Midlands, aiding in better decision-making for personal and business security.