Smethwick Crime Rate

Smethwick is a densely populated urban settlement in Sandwell with a crime profile that reflects its busy, metropolitan character. The overall crime rate stands at 109.2 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 71/100, which is below the national average of 79. The crime trend in Smethwick is currently stable, showing a minor 1.9% increase year-over-year. For residents and visitors, these statistics highlight the importance of staying informed and taking sensible security precautions, particularly in the town's more active commercial and transport hubs. While typical for a major 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 Smethwick

Smethwick's crime profile is heavily led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.2% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson follow, each accounting for 7.1%. Together, these three categories represent the primary focus of local law enforcement. Property crime in the Smethwick urban settlement—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is recorded at a rate of 36.4 per 1,000 residents. This is above the UK average of 32.3, indicating an elevated risk for property and vehicle owners compared to national benchmarks. Vehicle crime is a notable issue, making up 6.9% of reports, while burglary accounts for 3.3%. For residents, this data indicates that while personal safety is the top priority, maintaining robust security for homes and vehicles is a necessary part of local life in this busy urban area.

Crime Trends in Smethwick

The crime trend in Smethwick is currently stable, showing a minor 1.9% increase year-over-year. A month-by-month analysis of the crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a relatively consistent pattern with some seasonal variations. The period began with a rate of 7.5 in December 2024, rising to a peak of 10.2 in June 2025. This summer peak is common in major urban areas, coinciding with warmer weather and increased public activity. The rate then fluctuated between 9.2 and 10.0 for the remainder of the year, ending at 10.0 in November 2025. This stability suggests that while Smethwick faces urban crime challenges, the situation is not rapidly changing. For residents, this means that the safety environment is predictable, allowing for consistent security planning and community safety initiatives to remain effective over the long term.

How To Keep Safe in Smethwick

The most common crime in Smethwick is violence and sexual offences, 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 is also a significant concern in the area. Residents are encouraged to use secure, well-lit parking and ensure that no valuables are left on display in their cars. Criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are also prevalent, so staying vigilant in residential areas and reporting any issues to local community safety teams is advisable. For property owners, the 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 Smethwick reveals distinct urban patterns throughout the day. The afternoon is the peak period for theft, which accounts for 44% of all crimes between 12pm and 6pm, reflecting the intense retail and commercial activity in the town. Morning hours are also dominated by theft at 39%. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, become more prominent, representing 53% 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 49% 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, Smethwick's crime rate of 109.2 per 1,000 people is typical for a major Sandwell urban area. It experiences more reported crime than Rowley Regis (77.4) and Oldbury (102.4). However, it remains safer than West Bromwich (111.4) and Blackheath (131.8). For those considering the area, Smethwick offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with excellent transport links, but this comes with a crime profile that requires more proactive personal and property security than some of the more suburban settlements nearby. Its safety score of 71/100 reflects the challenges of its high-density urban environment.

With a property crime rate of 36.4 per 1,000 in Smethwick, 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 Smethwick, 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.