Smethwick Crime Rate

Smethwick recorded an overall crime rate of 110.4 per 1,000 people during the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is above the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the town's high-density urban character within the Sandwell borough. Despite the higher volume of incidents, Smethwick maintains a safety score of 71/100, which is typical for a busy metropolitan area. The crime trend is currently stable, with a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of the types of crime affecting Smethwick, including a property crime rate of 37.0 per 1,000, and offers practical advice on when and how residents can best protect themselves.

In Smethwick, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 44.2% of total reports with 2,982 incidents. Criminal damage and arson account for 7.1% (482 crimes), followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 6.9% (464 crimes).

Property-related crime is a significant issue for residents, with an overall rate of 37.0 per 1,000 people. This includes 224 burglaries, 458 vehicle crimes, and over 800 theft-related incidents. The data shows that vehicle crime is a persistent threat, particularly during the night, while burglary risks are highest during the afternoon and night. For homeowners and vehicle owners, these figures highlight the importance of physical security. The prevalence of criminal damage also suggests that property-focused offences are a common concern in Smethwick's urban environment.

The crime trend in Smethwick is currently stable, with a 4.2% increase in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 7.6 in February and a peak of 10.2 in June. The period from March through November saw consistently higher activity, with rates frequently reaching 9.2 or higher. This indicates that criminal activity is relatively steady throughout most of the year, with a slight increase during the warmer months. For residents, this stability suggests that while crime remains an urban challenge, there has not been a sudden or dramatic surge in risk, though the minor upward trend warrants continued vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Smethwick

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

1. Stay alert when walking through busy town centres or near major transport hubs, especially during the evening and night.
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.
4. Ensure your home's perimeter is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to eliminate dark areas where intruders could hide.
5. Avoid taking shortcuts through poorly lit parks or industrial zones late at night; stick to well-travelled, bright main roads.
6. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local Safer Neighbourhood Team to help them allocate patrols effectively.
7. Use high-quality locks on all windows and doors, and consider installing a visible security system to deter opportunistic criminals.

Crime in Smethwick follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Theft is the primary concern during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 40% and 45% 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 51%. 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 (16%) and night (15%), 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, Smethwick (110.4 per 1,000) sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. It is broadly comparable to West Bromwich (111.2) and is significantly safer than Blackheath (135.9). However, it experiences more frequent crime than Oldbury (100.8) and Rowley Regis (77.3). Smethwick's position as a major residential and commercial corridor between Birmingham and the rest of Sandwell influences these figures. For residents and businesses, the area offers a stable urban environment, though one that requires more active security than the quieter neighbouring towns.

With a property crime rate of 37.0 per 1,000 people, residents in Smethwick face a tangible risk of vehicle crime, burglary, and theft. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are reactive—they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. In a busy urban area like Smethwick, having footage of a burglary after the fact is rarely as valuable as stopping the break-in from occurring in the first place.

For true protection, Smethwick homeowners should consider a proactive AI-powered system like scOS. Unlike traditional cameras, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they escalate. With vehicle crime accounting for 48% of all night-time incidents in Smethwick, 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 home is not an easy target.