Church Stretton Crime Rate

Church Stretton stands as one of the safest urban settlements in Shropshire, boasting an exceptionally low crime rate of 37.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is vastly superior to the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an elite safety score of 91/100. The area is currently experiencing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 8.1% year-over-year. This high level of security makes Church Stretton an attractive location for families and those seeking a peaceful residential environment. The following report details the specific crime breakdown, monthly trends, and time-based patterns, providing a comprehensive overview of the local safety landscape and practical advice for maintaining this secure standard.

Church Stretton maintains a very low crime profile, with the primary category being violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 70 incidents or 41.2% of the total. This is followed by 'other theft' at 17.6% and anti-social behaviour at 12.3%. These figures reflect an area where major criminal activity is rare, and much of the reported crime involves interpersonal issues or minor public disturbances.

Property crime in Church Stretton is particularly low, with a combined rate of 12.9 per 1,000 residents. This aggregate includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. Specifically, there were only 5 burglaries and 6 vehicle crimes recorded over the twelve-month period. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a very low risk of property-related offences. However, the fact that 'other theft' is the second most common crime suggests that opportunistic theft remains the most likely property threat, emphasizing the importance of basic security awareness and the protection of personal belongings in public and residential spaces.

The crime trend in Church Stretton is positive, with an 8.1% year-over-year decrease in total offences. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistently low crime rate, with minor fluctuations. The year began with a very low rate of 2.0 per 1,000 in December, peaking slightly in January, June, and May at rates between 4.2 and 4.4. These peaks are still remarkably low by national standards. The latter half of the year saw a steady decline, returning to a rate of 2.0 in October before a slight increase to 2.8 in November. This stable and downward-trending pattern confirms that Church Stretton remains a exceptionally safe environment with effective local security.

How To Keep Safe in Church Stretton

The most common crime in Church Stretton is violence and sexual offences, although the overall numbers are very low. To maintain your personal safety, stay aware of your surroundings when walking in quieter areas and consider using well-lit paths during the evening. Since 'other theft' is also a frequent category, ensure that personal belongings, bags, and bicycles are never left unattended in public spaces or unlocked vehicles. For homeowners, even in such a safe area, it is wise to maintain basic security habits: lock all doors and windows when leaving the house or retiring for the night. If you notice any unusual activity or unfamiliar vehicles loitering in residential streets, reporting this to the local police can help prevent opportunistic crime and preserve the town's excellent safety record.

Church Stretton exhibits distinct crime patterns throughout the day, heavily influenced by the prevalence of theft. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences dominate, accounting for 77% and 78% of crime respectively. This suggests that the majority of incidents are opportunistic and occur during active daylight hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the proportion of theft drops to 49%, while burglary increases to 14%. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where burglary rises to 20% and vehicle crime peaks at 25% of all incidents. Although the total volume of crime is low, these patterns indicate that residential and vehicle security are most critical during the late evening and overnight periods.

In the local Shropshire context, Church Stretton is part of a very secure cluster of settlements. Nearby All Stretton, Dorrington, and Easthope all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents, representing some of the quietest areas in the country. Church Stretton's rate of 37.1 is naturally higher due to its larger population and status as a local hub, but it remains significantly safer than Craven Arms, which has a crime rate of 70.0 per 1,000. For residents and visitors, Church Stretton offers a balanced environment—providing essential services and a central community while maintaining a safety profile that is far better than the national and regional averages.

With a property crime rate of only 12.9 per 1,000 people, Church Stretton is a remarkably low-risk area. However, the presence of 'other theft' as a top crime type indicates that opportunistic incidents can still occur. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest often only record these events as they happen, providing evidence but failing to prevent the loss or damage.

For those who value proactive protection, scOS represents a significant upgrade. By using AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify a potential intruder at your property boundary before they reach your door. In a quiet neighbourhood like Church Stretton, the system's ability to recognize routines and only alert you to genuine threats is invaluable. If a stranger lingers near your vehicle at 3am, scOS doesn't just record it; it can autonomously activate deterrents like lights or speakers to prevent the crime entirely. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI protection ensures that your home remains as safe as the community surrounding it.