Shropshire Crime Rate

Shropshire is one of the safer regions in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 60.4 per 1,000 people—significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. The county holds an impressive safety score of 86/100, well above the UK average of 79/100. Recent data shows that the crime trend is stable, with a negligible -0.5% change year-over-year. This indicates a consistent and secure environment for residents and businesses alike. While Shropshire is predominantly rural, its market towns and transport corridors see varying levels of activity. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and practical safety advice tailored to the Shropshire local authority area.

Shropshire is a predominantly rural and agricultural county, characterised by its rolling hills, historic market towns, and lower population density compared to neighbouring metropolitan areas. These geographic factors contribute significantly to its relatively low crime rate and high safety score of 86/100. The county's economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and small-to-medium enterprises, which generally fosters a stable and cohesive community environment.

Major transport links like the A5 and M54 provide connectivity, but the absence of massive industrial hubs or high-density urban centres helps keep crime volumes manageable. The transient population is mostly limited to tourists visiting the Shropshire Hills or the historic sites of Shrewsbury and Ludlow. Economic stability and a strong sense of local community across its villages and towns further act as a natural deterrent to crime. However, the vast rural landscape can present challenges for rapid emergency response, making personal and property security a priority for residents in more isolated locations.

Crime Breakdown in Shropshire

In Shropshire, 'Violence and sexual offences' is the most frequent crime type, with 8,110 recorded incidents. This represents 40.4% of all crime in the county, at a rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (16.6%), followed by criminal damage and arson (8.2%). While these figures are lower than in urban local authorities, they remain the primary focus for local policing.

Property crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly below the UK average of 32.2. Shoplifting is the most prevalent property-related offence, followed by 'other theft' and burglary. For Shropshire homeowners, the lower-than-average burglary rate (2.5 per 1,000) is encouraging. However, the rural nature of the county means that when property crime does occur, it can often target outbuildings, agricultural machinery, or isolated dwellings. This highlights the importance of maintaining robust physical security and proactive monitoring to protect assets in areas where neighbours may not be in immediate proximity.

Shropshire's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of -0.5%. This indicates that the safety environment in the county is consistent and reliable. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated within a narrow range, starting at 4.8 per 1,000 in January and peaking slightly at 5.6 in July.

The lowest rate was recorded in February (4.4 per 1,000), followed by a steady climb through the spring and summer months, which is a common seasonal pattern in many UK regions. The rate then dipped in September (4.6) before stabilising around 4.7 to 4.8 for the remainder of the year. For residents, these patterns suggest that while summer months might see a slight increase in reported incidents, the overall risk remains low and predictable throughout the year, supporting the county's high safety score.

Shropshire's crime profile is best understood when compared to its regional neighbours. While Dudley has a notably higher crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000, many of Shropshire's other neighbours, including Telford and Wrekin, South Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Wyre Forest, and Wrexham, show a recorded rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset. This suggests that Shropshire, while having a higher recorded rate than some adjacent areas, remains a very safe choice within the West Midlands and Welsh border region. The county provides a middle ground between the highly urbanised areas like Dudley and the virtually crime-free statistics of its more rural or differently reported neighbours, maintaining a high safety score of 86/100.

In Shropshire, the property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents is well below the national average, yet the rural and often isolated nature of many homes requires a specialised approach to security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, merely providing footage of an incident after it has occurred. In a county where properties may be spread out, a reactive alert might not be enough to prevent a loss.

A proactive solution like scOS (Security Operating System) is ideally suited for Shropshire's landscape. scOS uses AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time, distinguishing between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats. This intelligence allows the system to intervene autonomously—activating lights or speakers to deter an intruder the moment they are detected. For homeowners, this means preventing a burglary rather than just recording it. The professional-grade deterrence provided by scOS signals to potential criminals that a property is not an easy target, which is essential for maintaining the high safety standards residents expect in Shropshire.

How To Keep Safe in Shropshire

The most common crime in Shropshire is 'Violence and sexual offences', making up 40.4% of total incidents. While the overall rate is low at 24.4 per 1,000, it remains the most frequently reported category across the local authority area.

To enhance your safety, particularly in busier market towns during evening hours, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas. When visiting town centres for nightlife, always ensure you have a planned way to get home and stay with friends where possible.

In more rural parts of Shropshire, community vigilance is key. Joining a local Farm Watch or Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help you stay informed about local issues. For property owners, ensuring that gates are locked and high-value equipment is stored out of sight is a simple but effective deterrent. Visible security measures, such as professional alarm systems or AI-powered monitoring, are highly recommended to protect against opportunistic theft in areas where houses are less densely packed.