Cradley Heath Crime Rate

Cradley Heath recorded an overall crime rate of 101.5 per 1,000 people during the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the town's urban character within the Sandwell borough. Importantly, Cradley Heath maintains a safety score of 73/100 and is seeing a stable trend, with crime decreasing by 3.6% year-over-year. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime affecting Cradley Heath, including a property crime rate of 37.1 per 1,000, and offers insights into the times when crime is most likely to occur. For residents, the stable trend is a sign of a consistent safety environment.

In Cradley Heath, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and vehicle crime. Violence and sexual offences lead the statistics, accounting for 44.9% of all reports with 831 incidents. Criminal damage and arson follow at 9.0% (167 crimes), while vehicle crime accounts for 7.8% (145 cases).

Property-related crime is a significant concern for Cradley Heath residents, with a combined rate of 37.1 per 1,000 people. This includes 74 burglaries, 145 vehicle crimes, and over 250 theft-related incidents. The data shows that vehicle crime is particularly prevalent at night, accounting for nearly half of all crimes recorded between 12am and 6am. For homeowners and vehicle owners, these figures highlight the importance of secure parking and residential protection. The prevalence of criminal damage also indicates that property-focused offences are a common part of the local crime environment.

The crime trend in Cradley Heath is stable, with a 3.6% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked at 11.1 in July but dropped as low as 7.2 in January. The period from February through October saw relatively consistent activity, with rates frequently reaching 8.4 or higher. This indicates that criminal activity is slightly higher during the warmer months, but the overall trajectory is a positive indicator of a steady safety environment. For residents, this trend suggests that local safety and policing initiatives are effectively maintaining a consistent level of security across the town.

How To Keep Safe in Cradley Heath

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cradley Heath, so personal safety and situational awareness in public spaces are the most important factors for residents.

1. Stay alert when walking through the town centre or near transport hubs, especially during the evening hours.
2. Given that vehicle crime accounts for 48% of all night-time incidents, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit, secure area or garage.
3. When in retail areas during the peak afternoon theft period (12pm-6pm), keep your valuables secure and out of sight to avoid opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to eliminate dark spots where potential intruders could hide.
5. Avoid taking shortcuts through poorly lit parks or industrial zones late at night; stick to well-travelled, bright routes.
6. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them target their patrols effectively.
7. Use high-quality locks on all windows and doors, and consider a visible security system to deter opportunistic criminals.

Crime in Cradley Heath follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Theft is the primary concern during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 38% and 43% of crimes respectively, which coincides with peak hours for local commerce. As the day transitions into the evening, 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become the most dominant category at 49%. However, the most significant risk to property occurs at night; between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime surges to account for 48% of all recorded incidents. Burglary risks also peak during the afternoon (18%) and night (16%), suggesting a mix of daytime opportunistic theft and targeted night-time residential attempts. These patterns indicate that while personal safety is a daytime focus, vehicle and home security are paramount overnight.

In the local context of the Black Country, Cradley Heath (101.5 per 1,000) is a central urban settlement with a stable safety profile. It is significantly more secure than nearby Blackheath (135.9) and Brierley Hill (118.5). However, it has a higher crime rate than Halesowen (65.9) and Rowley Regis (77.3). Cradley Heath's status as a busy residential and commercial town influences its figures, but its stable year-over-year trend suggests it is maintaining a consistent security environment compared to its immediate neighbours. For those considering the region, Cradley Heath offers a balanced urban environment within a busy metropolitan area.

With a property crime rate of 37.1 per 1,000 people, residents in Cradley Heath face a consistent risk of vehicle crime, burglary, and theft. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are reactive—they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. In an urban area like Cradley Heath, having footage of a theft after the fact is rarely as valuable as stopping the incident from occurring in the first place.

A proactive approach is essential for modern home security. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that prevents crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they reach your door. With vehicle crime accounting for a significant 48% of all night-time incidents in Cradley Heath, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and detect intruders before they reach your car or home is a critical advantage. Its autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, can deter a criminal within 60 seconds of their approach. Choosing professional-grade, proactive security ensures that your property is not an easy target.