Royal Sutton Coldfield Crime Rate

Royal Sutton Coldfield, an affluent urban settlement within Birmingham, boasts an overall crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 84/100. The area is currently seeing a positive trend in safety, with a significant 8.8% decrease in total crime year-over-year. While it remains a busy town, its crime profile is considerably more favourable than the broader Birmingham local authority. The property crime rate stands at 34.4 per 1,000, slightly above the UK average of 32.3, highlighting that while personal safety is high, property protection remains a priority for local residents. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and timing for the area.

Crime in Royal Sutton Coldfield

Royal Sutton Coldfield maintains a crime rate lower than the UK average, though certain crime types remain prevalent. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 32.6% of all reports. Shoplifting is also significant, with a rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents, followed by vehicle crime at 7.4 per 1,000. The property crime rate in the area is 34.4 per 1,000 people, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary specifically accounts for 7.6% of total crimes, with 475 incidents reported annually. For local residents, this means that while the area is generally safe, property-related offences still require attention, particularly vehicle-related theft and residential burglary. Overall, property crime constitutes a major portion of the local safety landscape.

Royal Sutton Coldfield is experiencing a clear downward trend in crime, with total incidents falling by 8.8% over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate peaked in March and July 2025 at 6.3 and 6.1 per 1,000 people, respectively. The safest months were December 2024 and January 2025, both recording rates around 5.2 to 5.3 per 1,000. Throughout the latter half of 2025, the rate remained fairly consistent, ending the period at 5.7 in November. This sustained reduction is a very positive sign for the local community, indicating that Sutton Coldfield is becoming even safer over time. The steady decline suggests that local safety initiatives and policing are having a tangible impact on reducing crime volume across the town.

How To Keep Safe in Royal Sutton Coldfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Royal Sutton Coldfield, representing 32.6% of the total. To stay safe in the area, consider these localized tips:

1. When walking in the town centre or near the railway station after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid quieter residential cut-throughs.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines or shopping in busy retail areas, keeping your personal belongings secure.
3. If you are enjoying the local nightlife, plan your return journey in advance and stay with friends where possible.
4. Ensure your home and vehicle are always locked, even if you are only away for a short period, as opportunists can be active in affluent areas.
5. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and share safety information with your community.

Crime timing in Royal Sutton Coldfield shows distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours are characterized by a higher proportion of theft and shoplifting (30%) as the town's retail areas open. As the day progresses into the afternoon, burglary becomes more prevalent, accounting for 31% of crimes during this period, often when homes are left unoccupied. The evening sees a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, while burglary remains a threat at 23%. However, the most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 54% of all reported incidents. This suggests that while overall crime volume may be lower in the early hours, vehicles are at their highest risk during this time. Residents are advised to be particularly vigilant about vehicle security overnight and property security during the mid-afternoon.

Royal Sutton Coldfield's crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 people places it in a mid-range position compared to its immediate neighbours. It is busier than the nearby residential areas of Streetly, which has a much lower rate of 29.7, and Pheasey at 37.8. In contrast, very small neighbouring settlements like Bourne Vale and Hints report negligible crime rates of 0.0. While Sutton Coldfield is more active than these smaller villages due to its larger population and commercial centre, it remains a significantly safer alternative to the high-crime areas within central Birmingham. This makes it a preferred location for those seeking an urban environment with a strong safety profile.

In Royal Sutton Coldfield, the property crime rate of 34.4 per 1,000 people indicates that homeowners should take security seriously. Traditional security systems, like Ring or Nest, are often reactive, meaning they only record footage of a crime as it happens or notify you once an intruder has already entered your property. For a more effective solution, proactive protection is recommended. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your home's perimeter and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers to scare off potential intruders. This proactive approach is particularly vital for preventing vehicle crime and burglary, which are key concerns in the area. By choosing a professional-grade system like scOS, you ensure that your security doesn't just record a burglary—it stops it.