Stourbridge Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Stourbridge’s overall crime rate in October 2023 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences, with the area’s built-up nature within Dudley likely shaping crime patterns. The top three crime types—violence and sexual offences (37.4% of total), shoplifting (11.1%), and burglary (10.0%)—illustrate a mix of persistent issues and emerging challenges. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.9 per 1,000, remain 7% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be linked to Stourbridge’s role as a commuter hub with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics. Shoplifting, while lower than the UK average (0.9 vs 0.6 per 1,000), still accounts for a significant share of property crimes, a trend consistent with retail areas experiencing higher foot traffic during seasonal transitions. Burglary, at 0.8 per 1,000, is 135% above the UK average, a stark contrast that could be attributed to the area’s housing stock and proximity to transport routes. October’s darker evenings and the approach of Halloween likely amplified concerns around street safety, though the month’s overall rate remains slightly below national benchmarks. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing violent crime and property offences, while also recognising the area’s resilience in maintaining a lower-than-average rate overall.

October 2023 saw notable decreases in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, with the former dropping 16.9% to 49 incidents and the latter falling 15.2% to 39 reports. These declines, though modest, suggest potential shifts in local crime patterns, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and Halloween-related activity. Conversely, theft from the person surged by 100% compared to September, rising from 1 to 2 incidents—a sharp increase that warrants attention. Drug-related offences also rose by 40%, from 5 to 7 cases, a trend that may reflect changes in community engagement or policing priorities. Stourbridge’s violent crime rate remains 7% above the UK average, with 165 incidents of violence and sexual offences recorded. This divergence highlights areas where local conditions, such as the town’s retail presence or social dynamics, may contribute to higher rates of violent crime compared to national benchmarks.

Stourbridge's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 4.4% compared to September, moving from 7.3 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a broader trend in local policing patterns during the transition from autumn to winter. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 14 crimes per day in October, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents and local businesses. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents within the community. When scaled to the area’s population of 57,910, this rate underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly as seasonal factors like darker evenings and Halloween may influence crime dynamics. The rise in overall rate contrasts with the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, though Stourbridge remains slightly below that benchmark. This comparison offers a lens to assess local performance against national trends, particularly in categories where the area diverges significantly from UK averages.