Blackheath Crime Rate

Blackheath is a major urban settlement in Sandwell with a crime profile that reflects its busy, commercial and metropolitan character. The overall crime rate stands at 131.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly above the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 68/100, which is below the national average of 79. The crime trend in Blackheath is currently increasing, showing a 5.4% rise year-over-year. For residents and visitors, these statistics highlight the importance of staying informed and taking proactive security precautions, particularly in the town's more active retail and transport hubs. While typical for a large West Midlands urban area, the data indicates an environment where proactive safety measures are a practical necessity for both individuals and property owners.

Crime in Blackheath

Blackheath's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.4% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting is a significant factor at 20.4%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 6.9%. Together, these three categories represent the majority of local criminal activity. Property crime in the Blackheath urban settlement—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is recorded at a rate of 58.2 per 1,000 residents. This is nearly double the UK average of 32.3, reflecting the area's busy urban and commercial nature. Public order offences are also prominent, making up 6.4% of the total. For residents, this data means that while personal safety is a primary concern, protecting property and vehicles from theft is a critical local priority that requires high levels of vigilance and robust security measures.

Crime Trends in Blackheath

The crime trend in Blackheath is currently increasing, showing a 5.4% rise year-over-year. A month-by-month analysis of the crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a somewhat volatile pattern with several peaks. The period began with a rate of 10.4 in December 2024, but saw a significant jump to 15.7 in June 2025. Other high points were seen in April 2025 at 13.1 and October 2025 at 12.8. The rate fluctuated throughout the year, ending at 8.5 in November 2025. This upward trend suggests that Blackheath is facing increasing urban crime challenges. For residents, this means that staying informed and taking proactive security measures is more important than ever, as the area is currently seeing more criminal activity than in the previous period.

How To Keep Safe in Blackheath

The most common crime in Blackheath is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated around busy town centres and transport hubs. To stay safe, it is important to maintain a high level of situational awareness, particularly late at night or when in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy thoroughfares and avoid shortcuts through less populated parks or industrial zones.

Vehicle crime and shoplifting are also significant concerns in the area. Residents are encouraged to use secure, well-lit parking and ensure that no valuables are left on display in their cars. Staying vigilant in retail areas and reporting any issues to local community safety teams is advisable. For property owners, the high property crime rate means that home security should be a top priority. Ensure that all doors and windows are fitted with high-quality locks and that your home appears occupied when you are away. Visible security measures, such as cameras and alarm systems, serve as powerful deterrents. For those seeking the highest level of protection, a proactive AI system can provide real-time monitoring and intervention, ensuring your home is actively defended against potential threats.

Crime timing in Blackheath reveals distinct urban patterns throughout the day. The afternoon is the peak period for theft, which accounts for 42% of all crimes between 12pm and 6pm, reflecting the intense retail activity in the town centre. Morning hours are also dominated by theft at 37%. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prominent, representing 55% of reports as social activity and nightlife increase. The night-time hours bring a specific shift in risk, with vehicle crime reaching its highest proportion at 50% of incidents between midnight and 6am. This suggests that while personal safety is a key concern during the day and evening, property and vehicle security are paramount overnight. Residents and business owners should adjust their vigilance accordingly, ensuring vehicles are particularly secure at night and being mindful of personal belongings during busy daytime hours.

In a regional context, Blackheath's crime rate of 131.8 per 1,000 people is one of the highest in the immediate area. It experiences more reported crime than Rowley Regis (77.4), Cradley Heath (102.9), and Oldbury (102.4). It is also significantly higher than Halesowen, which reports 65.1. For those considering the area, Blackheath offers a central urban location with extensive amenities, but this comes with a crime profile that requires more proactive personal and property security than many of the other settlements nearby. Its safety score of 68/100 reflects the challenges of its high-activity urban environment and the recent upward trend in reported crime.

With a property crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 in Blackheath, protecting your home is a priority that requires moving beyond traditional methods. Conventional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they provide a record of an incident after it has already taken place. In a busy urban area like Blackheath, where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent risks, the goal should be prevention. The scOS AI-powered security system represents a shift to proactive protection. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies potential threats at the property boundary in real-time. It uses advanced pattern learning to distinguish between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger responses like lights and audio alerts, destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This proactive deterrence is essential, as most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to target a property. By making that decision easy for them—showing that your home is intelligently protected—scOS helps ensure they move on, keeping your property and family safe.