Birmingham Crime Rate

Birmingham Crime Overview

Birmingham currently sees an overall crime rate of 125.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure that sits notably above the UK average of 91.7. With a safety score of 68/100, the city ranks below the national average safety score of 79/100, reflecting the complexities of policing a major metropolitan area. Despite these figures, the recent trend data shows a stable environment, with a modest 3.5% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. This suggests that while crime remains a challenge for the region, the situation is not escalating and has shown slight improvement. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and trends to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

About Birmingham

As the United Kingdom's second-largest city, Birmingham's crime statistics reflect its status as a major metropolitan hub with a high population density of over 1.1 million residents. The area's profile is shaped by its diverse urban landscape, ranging from the bustling commercial heart of the City Centre and the Bullring to industrial zones and sprawling residential suburbs. Significant factors influencing local crime data include its position as a primary transport gateway, with Birmingham New Street and the international airport attracting high transient volumes. The city's vibrant nightlife, particularly around Broad Street and the Jewellery Quarter, alongside its status as a premier shopping and tourism destination, contributes to the concentration of certain crime types like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Economic disparities within such a large administrative area also play a role, as the Local Authority District encompasses both affluent neighbourhoods and areas facing significant socio-economic challenges, creating a complex statistical picture for the region.

Birmingham Crime Breakdown

Analysis of the latest data reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant portion of reported crime in Birmingham, accounting for 61,080 incidents or 41.3% of the total. This is followed by shoplifting at 8.7% (12,932 crimes) and vehicle crime at 8.0% (11,897 crimes). These figures highlight that personal safety and retail security remain primary concerns for those living and working in the city.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—remains a persistent issue for the local community. Birmingham's property crime rate stands at 48.0 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 32.3. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a heightened risk to physical assets. Vehicle crime is particularly prominent, representing 10.1 incidents per 1,000 people. While burglary accounts for 4.7% of total crime, the combined volume of all theft-related offences suggests that proactive security measures are essential for protecting homes and vehicles across the district.

Birmingham Crime Trends

The crime trend in Birmingham is currently classified as stable, with a 3.5% year-over-year reduction in total recorded offences. This indicates a positive, albeit gradual, improvement in the city's overall safety profile. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a peak in criminal activity during the summer months, with July recording the highest rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people. Conversely, the lowest activity was observed in February, where the rate dipped to 9.5.

These seasonal fluctuations are common in large cities, where warmer weather often correlates with increased public activity and, consequently, higher incident reports. The data shows a steady decline towards the end of 2025, finishing at 9.8 in November. For residents, this stable trend suggests that while vigilance is always required, the city is not experiencing a sudden surge in crime. The consistent monthly figures around the 10.0 mark provide a predictable baseline for local law enforcement and community safety planning.

Nearby Areas

When comparing Birmingham to its surrounding regions, the city stands out with a significantly higher crime rate of 125.0 per 1,000 people. Similar neighbouring areas, including Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Dudley, Bromsgrove, and North Warwickshire, all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the latest data period. While these zero-rated figures likely reflect differences in reporting or data boundaries for those specific zones, they highlight Birmingham's status as the central urban hub where crime is most concentrated. For those considering the wider West Midlands region, Birmingham represents the peak of reported activity, while the surrounding districts appear considerably quieter, making the city a focal point for regional safety and security initiatives.

Home Security in Birmingham

With a property crime rate of 48.0 per 1,000 people, Birmingham residents face a higher-than-average risk of theft and burglary. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or reactive CCTV, often fall short because they only document a crime after it has occurred. In a city where most burglars make a decision in under a minute, the key to safety is preventing the incident entirely.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system represents a shift from reactive recording to proactive protection. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they reach your door. Its autonomous response system can engage speakers and lights to destroy the element of surprise, often causing intruders to move on immediately. For Birmingham homeowners, this level of professional-grade deterrence is vital. Rather than providing footage of a burglary for insurance purposes, scOS is designed to ensure the burglary never happens, offering a sophisticated layer of security that adapts to your family's routine while remaining vigilant against genuine threats.

How To Keep Safe in Birmingham

The most prevalent crime in Birmingham is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 41% of all reports. While these statistics include a wide range of incidents, maintaining personal awareness is the most effective way to stay safe across the local authority area.

When navigating the city, particularly in busy nightlife districts or near major transport hubs, always stay alert to your surroundings and avoid using headphones or mobile phones in isolated areas. It is advisable to plan your routes in advance, sticking to well-lit, populated thoroughfares rather than taking shortcuts through quiet parks or alleyways. If you are out late, ensure you use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps and share your live location with a trusted friend or family member. Carrying a personal safety alarm can also provide peace of mind. For residents, staying informed through local community alerts and participating in neighbourhood safety schemes can help foster a more secure environment for everyone in the city.