Dudley Crime Rate

Dudley is a generally safe and historic borough with a safety score of 79/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 81.5 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. The local crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 3.4% decrease recorded over the last year. Covering the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the data reveals that while Dudley is a secure place to live, it experiences a volume of property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime, that is in line with the national average. This analysis provides Dudley residents with a detailed look at local crime types, trends, and practical advice on how to maintain their personal and property security in this diverse and active borough.

About Dudley

Dudley is a large and historic town in the West Midlands, serving as a major administrative and commercial centre for the surrounding borough. Its crime statistics are influenced by its dense urban environment and its status as a key hub for retail, education, and leisure. The town centre, with its significant shopping areas and the popular Dudley Zoo and Castle, attracts a high volume of daily visitors, which can lead to higher levels of opportunistic crime, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Dudley's crime profile is also shaped by its diverse residential areas, ranging from well-established suburban neighbourhoods to more high-density urban zones. The presence of major transport links, including key bus routes and thoroughfares, contributes to the area's crime statistics, as these hubs often see elevated levels of vehicle-related and public order offences. Additionally, the town's active nightlife and numerous public houses can be focal points for alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour. Economic factors, including high population density and areas of socio-economic challenge, also play a role in the prevalence of certain crime types. Despite these factors, Dudley remains a popular place to live and work, with a strong community focus and proactive local policing working to maintain and improve safety across the borough.

Crime in Dudley

In Dudley, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 11,156 recorded incidents, representing 41.2% of all local crime. This is followed by shoplifting at 10.6% (2,860 crimes) and vehicle crime at 8.9% (2,413 crimes). These three categories together represent over 60% of all police activity in the borough, suggesting that interpersonal issues and business-related theft are the most prevalent concerns.

Property-related crime in Dudley—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft—occurs at a rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents. This is very close to the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting is the most significant concern (8.6 per 1,000), followed by vehicle crime (7.3 per 1,000) and both burglary and other theft at around 4.5 per 1,000 people. Burglary accounts for 5.5% of total crime. For homeowners and residents, these statistics indicate a persistent risk of property-related offences, particularly those targeting vehicles and commercial premises. The relatively high rate of vehicle crime suggests that car security should be a top priority. Overall, while Dudley has a safety score of 79/100, the elevated property crime rate highlights the need for robust home and vehicle security.

Dudley's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 3.4%. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents remained remarkably consistent, starting at 6.3 in January and fluctuating within a narrow range. Activity peaked slightly in the summer months, reaching 7.5 per 1,000 in both June and July, which is typical for the warmer months when public activity is higher. The latter half of the year saw rates settle back to around 6.5, ending with 6.3 in December. This level of stability is a very positive indicator for the borough, suggesting that the safety landscape is predictable and not experiencing any significant or rapid shifts in criminal activity. For residents, this provides peace of mind, as Dudley continues to maintain its reputation as one of the more secure and stable parts of the West Midlands.

In the context of the West Midlands, Dudley stands out as a relatively secure urban choice. While its crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 is typical for a large borough, it is safer than neighbouring Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Walsall, all of which typically report higher levels of criminal activity. For residents and prospective movers, Dudley represents a more stable and low-risk borough compared to the high-intensity urban centres to its east and north. This regional context confirms Dudley's reputation as a secure and attractive place to live, offering a much more peaceful environment than the larger city hubs while remaining well-connected to the rest of the West Midlands. Overall, Dudley continues to be a top choice for those seeking a safe urban lifestyle.

With a property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000, Dudley residents should consider a more advanced approach to security than traditional reactive systems. While standard DIY cameras provide footage of a crime as it happens, they often do little to prevent the initial incident. In a borough like Dudley, where vehicle crime is the third most common offence (7.3 per 1,000), a proactive system like scOS is far more effective. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between routine suburban movement and a genuine threat, such as someone loitering near your home or vehicle. When a threat is identified, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a crime before it begins, which is a crucial advantage in an area with elevated property and vehicle crime. For Dudley homeowners, professional-grade proactive security provides a significant layer of protection, ensuring your home remains a hard target and helping to maintain the borough's overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Dudley

The most common crime type in Dudley is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is generally safe, taking proactive steps for personal security is recommended in its busy town centres and transport hubs.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or backstreets, especially near major transit hubs.
2. Given the high rate of vehicle crime (7.3 per 1,000), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, park in a garage or a well-lit driveway.
3. Be vigilant in crowded public spaces, such as Dudley town centre, to protect yourself from shoplifting and opportunistic theft.
4. Use motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home. This is a powerful deterrent against opportunistic burglars and individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour.
5. Stay informed about local safety issues by joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or following West Midlands Police's local social media updates for the Dudley area.