Oldbury (Sandwell) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Oldbury (Sandwell) records an overall crime rate of 105.3 per 1,000 people per year, which is above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 73 out of 100, placing it moderately safe, though slightly below the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, Oldbury (Sandwell) has experienced a stable crime trend, with a 4.1% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a consistent and slightly improving safety environment within the built-up area, providing a foundation for understanding its detailed crime statistics.

Crime Breakdown in Oldbury (Sandwell)

In Oldbury (Sandwell), violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 2,017 incidents, a rate of 44.6 per 1,000 residents, and making up 42.4% of all reported crimes. Shoplifting is the second most common, with 478 reported cases (10.6 per 1,000), followed closely by vehicle crime at 429 incidents (9.5 per 1,000). These three categories represent the primary crime challenges for the community.

The overall property crime rate in Oldbury (Sandwell), which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 39.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This elevated property crime rate suggests that residents and homeowners in Oldbury (Sandwell) should be particularly vigilant about securing their homes, vehicles, and personal belongings to mitigate potential risks.

Crime Trends in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Oldbury (Sandwell) has experienced a relatively stable crime trend over the past year, with a 4.1% decrease year-over-year. This indicates a slight improvement in the overall safety of the area. Analysing the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. For instance, the rate was 10.2 in October 2024, dipped to 8.1 in February 2025, and then saw a temporary peak of 9.5 in July 2025, before settling at 8.2 by September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall trend suggests that crime levels are being managed, contributing to a consistent, albeit slightly improving, safety profile for residents.

Time Patterns of Crime in Oldbury (Sandwell)

Crime in Oldbury (Sandwell) displays distinct hourly patterns. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by significant theft (36%) and vehicle crime (28%), likely linked to daily commutes and commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft peak at 43% and burglary at 18%, often coinciding with busy retail periods and unoccupied residences. In the evening (6pm-12am), "other" crime types become most prominent at 44%, with vehicle crime also high at 27%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime dominates at 57%, with burglary also a concern at 14%, reflecting opportunities under the cover of darkness. These patterns highlight the varying risks and types of crime at different times, which can inform targeted prevention efforts.

Oldbury (Sandwell) in Regional Context: Nearby Areas Comparison

Oldbury (Sandwell), with an overall crime rate of 105.3 per 1,000, can be contextualised by comparing it to its neighbouring urban areas. Nearby Rowley Regis, Blackheath, Smethwick, and West Bromwich each present their own unique crime profiles within the wider Sandwell local authority. For instance, Smethwick and West Bromwich tend to have higher overall crime rates, while Rowley Regis generally records lower figures. These comparisons provide valuable regional insight, illustrating how Oldbury (Sandwell)'s crime statistics fit within the broader local landscape and helping residents understand relative safety across these interconnected settlements.

Protecting Your Property in Oldbury (Sandwell)

With a property crime rate of 39.4 per 1,000 in Oldbury (Sandwell), which is higher than the UK average, residents should prioritise robust home security. Relying solely on traditional CCTV or DIY cameras often means you're merely recording a burglary as it happens, rather than preventing it. True protection comes from proactive measures.

An AI-powered home security operating system such as scOS offers advanced, preventative measures. Unlike reactive systems, scOS is engineered to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they gain access. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive coverage, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. By learning your family's routines, scOS minimises false alarms, focusing on real threats. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers upon detection, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential burglars, making them move on within the critical 60-second decision window. Investing in such professional-grade, proactive security offers superior peace of mind for Oldbury (Sandwell) homeowners.