Shropshire Crime Rate

Shropshire is characterised by its high safety standards, with the latest data showing an overall crime rate of 60.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 86/100. The trend direction for the area is currently stable, with a marginal year-over-year decrease of 0.6%. This consistency suggests that Shropshire remains a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime reported across the county, monthly fluctuations, and how the area compares to its neighbours, covering the period from December 2024 to November 2025.

About Shropshire

Shropshire is a predominantly rural local authority area, characterised by a mix of historic market towns, quiet villages, and extensive agricultural land. The area's low population density and lack of major metropolitan centres contribute to its high safety score of 86/100. Key towns like Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Bridgnorth serve as commercial and transport hubs, which naturally concentrate more activity than the surrounding countryside.

The local economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and a growing service sector, with major employers often located in the larger settlements. While the area does not have the transient population levels seen in major cities, its position as a gateway to Wales and its popular tourist attractions can lead to seasonal fluctuations in visitors. These geographic and economic factors mean that crime is often localised to specific urban pockets or transport corridors, while the vast majority of the county remains exceptionally quiet and safe for its 332,455 residents.

Crime Breakdown in Shropshire

In Shropshire, the crime profile is led by three main categories. Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 8,085 reported incidents, representing 24.3 per 1,000 residents and 40.3% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, with 3,371 reports (16.8%), followed by criminal damage and arson at 1,648 incidents (8.2%).

Property crime in the Shropshire area occurs at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This total includes 797 burglaries, 571 vehicle crimes, and 1,310 instances of 'other theft'. Shoplifting also accounts for 1,529 reports (7.6% of total crime). Other less frequent property offences include robbery, bicycle theft, and theft from the person. For residents and property owners, these figures suggest that while Shropshire is generally very safe, there is a consistent level of opportunistic property crime. The low burglary rate of 2.4 per 1,000 is encouraging, but the prevalence of criminal damage and other theft highlights the importance of maintaining basic security standards and protecting outbuildings or vehicles, which can be more vulnerable in rural settings.

Crime Trends in Shropshire

The crime trend in Shropshire is stable, with total reported offences decreasing by just 0.6% over the last year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate remained remarkably consistent. The year began with rates of 4.7 and 4.8 in December and January respectively, before dipping to a low of 4.4 in February.

Activity saw a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, peaking at 5.6 in July 2025. However, this was followed by a return to lower levels, with September recording 4.6. This lack of significant volatility suggests that the safety environment in Shropshire is well-established and predictable. For residents, this stability means that while standard security precautions should always be taken, there is no evidence of a growing crime wave or a sudden decline in local safety.

In a regional context, Shropshire is a safe choice for residents. Its crime rate of 60.4 per 1,000 is notably lower than that of Dudley, which sits at 81.4. Other nearby areas such as Telford and Wrekin, South Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Wyre Forest, and Wrexham all show a crime rate of 0.0 in this dataset, which likely reflects different reporting boundaries or exceptionally low activity in those specific zones. Shropshire serves as a large, predominantly rural authority that manages to maintain much lower crime levels than the heavily urbanised West Midlands conurbation to its east, providing a peaceful alternative for those living in the region.

Home Security and Property Protection in Shropshire

Shropshire’s property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents indicates a generally low-risk environment, yet the 797 burglaries and 1,648 cases of criminal damage reported last year show that vigilance is still required. In rural and semi-rural areas, properties can often be isolated, making them targets for opportunistic criminals who rely on the lack of immediate witnesses.

Traditional security systems are often reactive, only alerting you or recording footage once a perimeter has been breached. For Shropshire homeowners, scOS provides a more effective, proactive alternative. By using AI to monitor property boundaries, scOS identifies threats before they reach your door. Its autonomous response system—activating lights or speakers—can deter a criminal within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. This preventative approach is particularly valuable for protecting large gardens, outbuildings, and vehicles, ensuring that your home remains a difficult target and that potential incidents are stopped before they can cause damage or loss.

How To Keep Safe in Shropshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Shropshire. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone in quieter or more isolated areas. When visiting larger towns like Shrewsbury or Oswestry at night, stick to well-lit main roads and plan your travel in advance.

Given the rural nature of the county, it is also wise to ensure that your home and any outbuildings, such as sheds or barns, are securely locked with high-quality padlocks and alarms. Simple measures like installing motion-sensor lighting around your property can be highly effective in deterring anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. If you are a victim of or witness to a crime, reporting it promptly to the local police helps them to allocate resources effectively. Community engagement through local safety groups can also provide you with the latest information on any specific trends in your immediate neighbourhood.