Keele Crime Rate

Statistics and Safety in Keele

Keele is a secure and highly rated residential area, currently boasting a high safety score of 87/100. The area's overall crime rate is 54.9 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This indicates that Keele is one of the safer settlements in the region, offering a high level of security for its 3,114 inhabitants. However, the crime trend is currently moving in a concerning direction, with a 30.5% increase year-over-year. This significant rise suggests that residents should be increasingly aware of their security. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime types, temporal patterns, and regional comparisons to help the community understand the risks and take necessary precautions to maintain their safety.

Crime Breakdown in Keele

Keele's crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.8% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 23.4%, followed by public order offences at 9.9%. These figures suggest that social and personal offences are the most frequent, often occurring in the context of the area's unique demographic and activity levels.

For homeowners and residents, property-related crime is a significant area of focus. The combined property crime rate is 14.1 per 1,000 people, which includes burglary (6.4%), vehicle crime (5.3%), and other theft (4.7%). While burglary itself is relatively low as a percentage of total crime, it still represents a risk that requires residential security measures. The presence of vehicle crime is also notable, suggesting that cars and vans are targeted in the area. The relatively high rate of anti-social behaviour and public order offences may be linked to the area's role as a major educational and employment hub. Overall, the data points to a secure environment where social offences and opportunistic property crimes are the primary risks. Residents should focus their security efforts on protecting both their homes and vehicles.

Analysing Crime Trends in Keele

Keele is currently experiencing a concerning upward trend in its safety profile, with a significant 30.5% year-over-year increase in total crime. An analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a volatile environment with a clear rise in crime rates during the latter half of the year. The year started with relatively lower rates, but starting in March (7.7), the frequency of crime began to climb. The peak occurred in October 2025, with a rate of 8.0 crimes per 1,000 residents.

This sustained increase in crime is a serious indicator that the area's safety is declining. The high rate in October suggests a late-year rise in activity that residents should be aware of. While many months recorded rates around 3.2 to 4.5, the spikes in March and October indicate periods of heightened risk. For residents, this trend emphasizes the critical importance of robust and proactive security measures to protect their homes and families during this period of increasing criminal activity. Understanding these trends allows the community to remain prepared and adapt their security strategies accordingly.

How To Keep Safe in Keele

The most common crime category in Keele is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for approximately 37% of all reported incidents. While the area is statistically safe, maintaining personal awareness and property security is always beneficial.

• Afternoon Home Security: With 34% of burglaries occurring in the afternoon, always ensure that all doors and windows are locked when you are out, even for short periods during the day.
• Overnight Vehicle Protection: Vehicle crime peaks at night (40% of night-time offences). Ensure your car is parked in a well-lit area, preferably on a driveway or in a garage, and never leave valuables on display.
• Perimeter Lighting: Use motion-activated lighting around your home and driveway. This can deter opportunistic thieves and make your property a less attractive target during the evening and night.
• Community Awareness: Stay in touch with neighbours and report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals loitering in the area to the local police.
• Secure Outbuildings: Ensure that sheds and garages are fitted with high-quality locks, as these are often targeted for tools and bicycles. Keeping these areas secure can prevent opportunistic theft from your property.

Temporal Crime Trends in Keele

Crime patterns in Keele show distinct shifts across the four main time periods of the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is a significant concern, accounting for 36% and 38% of offences respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when the area is active and residents are out and about.

The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) also sees the highest concentration of burglary at 34%, indicating that homes may be targeted when they are likely to be empty. The evening (6pm - 12am) sees a rise in 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour—which make up 36% of reports. However, the most notable pattern occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 40% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a high risk during the night at 32%. These findings highlight the critical importance of afternoon home security and overnight protection for both homes and vehicles. Residents should focus their security efforts on these peak times to effectively mitigate local crime risks.

Local Context: Comparing Keele to Surrounding Areas

In the regional context of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Keele occupies a relatively secure position. It is significantly more secure than the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme itself, which has a much higher crime rate of 103.4 per 1,000 people. It also maintains a lower crime rate than Halmer End and Alsagers Bank (63.5). However, Keele has a higher crime rate than Baldwin's Gate (39.4) and is very similar to Madeley (54.5). For those seeking a balance between local services and a high level of security, Keele offers a compelling option that is much safer than the regional average and larger local centres, despite the recent upward trend in reported incidents.

Proactive Security for Keele Homeowners

With a property crime rate of 14.1 per 1,000 people, Keele is a safe area, but the 30.5% increase in overall crime and the combined threat of burglary and vehicle crime still require attention. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive, recording a crime only after it has occurred. For homeowners in Keele, where burglary and vehicle crime are significant property-related concerns, a system that can protect the entire property perimeter is vital.

An AI-powered security operating system like scOS provides the proactive protection needed to prevent crime before it happens. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying suspicious activity before a break-in or vehicle theft is attempted. Its ability to distinguish between residents, deliveries, and actual threats ensures that you are only alerted when it matters. By deploying autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible warnings—scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This shift from recording to preventing ensures that your home remains the safe haven it's meant to be, providing the high level of security that Keele homeowners need to protect their property and families.