Dudley (Dudley) Crime Rate

Dudley (Dudley) is a generally safe and historic urban area with a safety score of 71/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 112.4 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. However, the local crime trend is currently stable, with a 5.8% decrease recorded over the last year. Covering the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the data reveals that as a busy residential and commercial centre, Dudley experiences a higher volume of property-related and interpersonal offences than the national average. This analysis provides Dudley residents with a detailed look at local crime types, temporal patterns, and practical advice on how to maintain their personal and property security in this active urban environment.

Crime in Dudley (Dudley)

In the Dudley urban area, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 3,157 recorded incidents, representing 44.5% of all local crime. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.6% (612 crimes) and vehicle crime at 8.1% (578 crimes). These three categories together represent over 60% of all police activity in the area, suggesting that interpersonal issues and property damage 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 40.8 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage is the most significant concern (9.7 per 1,000), followed by vehicle crime (9.2 per 1,000) and shoplifting (8.2 per 1,000). Burglary is also a notable issue, with 311 incidents recorded at a rate of 4.9 per 1,000 people. For homeowners and residents, these statistics indicate a persistent risk of property-related offences, particularly those targeting vehicles and property through vandalism. The relatively high rate of vehicle crime suggests that car security should be a top priority. Overall, while the area has a safety score of 71/100, the elevated property crime rate highlights the need for robust home and vehicle security.

Dudley (Dudley) is currently experiencing a stable trend in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 5.8% year-over-year. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 8.2 in January and reaching its highest point in July at 11.3. Activity remained elevated throughout the summer and autumn, with rates consistently around 9 to 10 per 1,000. The year concluded with a rate of 8.4 in December. This seasonal pattern, with higher activity in the warmer months and a peak in mid-summer, is typical for an urban residential area and likely reflects increased public movement and social activity. Despite these monthly fluctuations, the overall volume of crime has shown a consistent downward trajectory. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the area's safety landscape is predictable and not experiencing any significant or rapid shifts in criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Dudley (Dudley)

The most common crime type in Dudley is violence and sexual offences. While the area is generally safe for its size, taking proactive steps for personal security is recommended in its busy residential and commercial districts.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or backstreets, especially in more isolated residential areas.
2. Given the high rate of vehicle crime (9.2 per 1,000), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. If possible, use secure, well-lit parking areas or garages.
3. Be vigilant in local shopping areas and keep your personal belongings, such as wallets and smartphones, secure at all times to protect yourself from 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.

Crime in Dudley follows a very distinct temporal pattern, heavily influenced by its urban character. Theft-related crimes are dominant during the day, peaking at 33% during the morning (6am - 12pm) and 38% in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm). This suggests that the area is most targeted by opportunistic thieves during daylight hours when there is more public and commercial activity. However, the nature of crime shifts significantly at night (12am - 6am). While theft drops to 6%, vehicle crime rises to a staggering 50% of all reports in that period. This indicates that vehicles parked overnight are a primary target for local criminal activity. Burglary also maintains a consistent presence, peaking at 21% during the afternoon hours. For residents, this means that while they must be vigilant about their belongings during the day, they need robust home and vehicle security at night. Understanding these windows of vulnerability is essential for effective personal and property protection in this busy urban area.

In the context of the local area, Dudley (Dudley) is a more active urban centre, which is reflected in its higher crime rate of 112.4 per 1,000. It is significantly more active than the nearby residential areas of Rowley Regis (77.3), Coseley (77.0), and Sedgley (72.8). However, it is slightly safer than Brierley Hill, which has a higher rate of 118.5 crimes per 1,000 people. For residents and prospective movers, this highlights Dudley as a bustling urban hub with the typical challenges of a larger residential and commercial area. This regional context emphasizes the importance of proactive security for those living and working in Dudley, while also showing the area's role as a major centre for the surrounding communities. Overall, Dudley offers a more high-intensity urban experience compared to its quieter neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 40.8 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 an active urban area like Dudley, where vehicle crime and criminal damage are persistent concerns, 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 urban 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 a high-activity urban environment. 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 area's overall safety.