Oldbury (Sandwell) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Oldbury (Sandwell) records an overall crime rate of 103.3 per 1,000 residents annually, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1 per 1,000. The urban settlement holds a safety score of 74 out of 100, placing it below the national average of 78. Encouragingly, Oldbury (Sandwell) has seen a reduction in crime, with a 6.5% decrease year-over-year. This overview provides a foundational understanding of the local crime landscape, setting the stage for a more detailed look into specific crime types, trends, and time-based patterns within Oldbury (Sandwell).

Crime Breakdown in Oldbury (Sandwell)

An analysis of crime types in Oldbury (Sandwell) reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent category, with 1,969 incidents, representing 42.2% of all reported crimes and a rate of 43.6 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Shoplifting is the second most common, with 483 cases (10.7 per 1,000), indicating pressures on local retail businesses. Vehicle crime completes the top three, with 419 incidents (9.3 per 1,000), suggesting challenges for vehicle owners.

The broader category of property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, totals 1,700 incidents in Oldbury (Sandwell). This constitutes approximately 36.4% of all crimes, with a rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents, which is notably above the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and businesses, these figures underscore the importance of robust security measures for both personal property and vehicles to mitigate risks associated with these prevalent crime types.

Crime Trends in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Oldbury (Sandwell) is experiencing a positive trend in its crime rates, with an encouraging 6.5% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a general improvement in safety across the urban area. Analysing the monthly crime rate data (per 1,000 residents) reveals some fluctuations throughout the year. Rates started at 8.5 in November 2024, saw a peak of 9.5 in July 2025, but generally show a downward trajectory when viewed against the previous year. The latest figure of 8.1 in October 2025, while part of the monthly variations, reinforces the overall decreasing trend. This consistent decrease suggests ongoing efforts to enhance safety are having an impact.

How To Keep Safe in Oldbury (Sandwell)

With Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Oldbury (Sandwell), it is vital to take proactive steps to ensure your personal safety within the urban environment.

• Be Street Smart: When walking through Oldbury, especially in busy town centre areas or late at night, remain alert. Put away your phone and be aware of your surroundings.
• Travel in Groups: If possible, avoid walking alone after dark. Travelling with friends or family, particularly in areas like the High Street or near public transport hubs, can enhance safety.
• Utilise Well-Lit Routes: Stick to main roads and well-lit paths when navigating the area, avoiding shortcuts through poorly lit or secluded alleyways.
• Secure Your Valuables: While focusing on violence, remember that displaying expensive items can make you a target. Keep valuables out of sight.
• Report Incidents: If you witness or are a victim of any incident, report it to the local police. Your report helps them to allocate resources and improve safety in Oldbury (Sandwell).

Time Patterns of Crime in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Crime in Oldbury (Sandwell) exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day and night. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft accounts for 37% of reported crimes, with vehicle crime also significant at 28%, suggesting activity around commutes and early commercial operations. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft at 43% and a notable 18% for burglary, likely coinciding with busy shopping times and when many properties may be unattended. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, which can include public order offences, rise to 45%, while vehicle crime remains a concern at 27%. Night-time (12am-6am) is dominated by vehicle crime, which accounts for a substantial 56% of incidents, along with 15% for burglary, indicating a heightened risk for unattended vehicles and properties during these quieter hours.

Comparing Oldbury (Sandwell) with Nearby Areas

Oldbury (Sandwell)'s crime rate of 103.3 per 1,000 residents can be contextualised by looking at its neighbouring urban areas. Rowley Regis, for instance, has a significantly lower crime rate at 76.7 per 1,000, suggesting it is a comparatively safer area. In contrast, Blackheath shows a notably higher rate of 132.6 per 1,000. Smethwick and West Bromwich both present higher rates, at 108.1 per 1,000 and 111.4 per 1,000 respectively. These comparisons illustrate that while Oldbury (Sandwell) faces its own crime challenges, its safety profile sits within a varied regional landscape, offering a broader understanding for residents and those considering the area.

Proactive Home and Property Protection

With Oldbury (Sandwell) experiencing a property crime rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, securing your property is a crucial consideration. Relying solely on reactive security, such as traditional CCTV, often means you only have evidence after a break-in. For true peace of mind and effective crime prevention, a proactive security strategy is essential.

Advanced AI-powered systems like scOS offer a superior level of protection by preventing crime before it happens. Unlike basic recording devices, scOS intelligently detects threats at your property's boundary, not just at the point of entry. Its multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors all angles, distinguishing between routine activity and genuine threats, and can even verify vehicles using DVLA data. When a threat is detected, scOS initiates an autonomous response—activating lights and engaging speakers—to disorient potential intruders and destroy their element of surprise, often causing them to abandon their intentions within seconds. This professional-grade, preventative approach is a significant upgrade from systems that merely document a crime.