Shrewsbury Crime Rate

Shrewsbury exhibits a crime rate of 85.5 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of February 2025 to January 2026. This figure places the town slightly below the UK average crime rate of 91.2 per 1,000. While Violence and Sexual Offences represent the most frequent type of crime, a notable decrease of 6.5% in overall crime year-on-year suggests a positive trend in community safety. Understanding the nuances of Shrewsbury’s crime statistics is essential for residents, visitors, and prospective investors alike.

Shrewsbury's crime profile reveals that Violence and Sexual Offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 32.3 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the UK average of 32.2. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 15.7 per 1,000, exceeding the national average by 6%. Shoplifting contributes significantly with 9.1 incidents per 1,000, a 20% increase compared to the UK average. While Criminal damage and arson (6.6 per 1,000) sits slightly below the national average, the higher prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences and Anti-social behaviour shapes the overall crime landscape of Shrewsbury. Property crime, at 26.5 per 1,000, is also an important factor to consider for residents and visitors.

Crime in Shrewsbury has shown a positive trend, decreasing by 6.5% year-on-year. While this represents a welcome reduction, certain crime types, such as ‘Other Crime’, have seen increases. Monthly data reveals fluctuations; for example, April 2025 saw a peak of 8.4 incidents per 1,000, while January 2026 recorded a low of 5.8 per 1,000. This variability underscores the importance of ongoing crime prevention efforts and community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury generally enjoys a good safety score, but with a crime rate of 85.5 per 1,000 residents, it's important to stay vigilant. Violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting are the most frequently reported crimes. To minimize risk, be aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours and in crowded areas like the town centre and around the river. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Secure your belongings when shopping and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Consider using well-lit and populated routes, and trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself. Home security measures like locking doors and windows, and using an alarm system, are also recommended. Remember to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to the authorities. Stay informed about local crime trends through the West Mercia Police website and social media.

Crime patterns in Shrewsbury vary throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglaries are relatively low, while theft is a more prevalent concern. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a rise in burglaries and theft. Evenings (6pm-12am) are marked by a higher risk of Vehicle crime, and the night (12am-6am) experiences the highest concentration of Vehicle crime, alongside a significant proportion of other crime types. Understanding these trends can help residents and businesses tailor their security measures accordingly.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Shrewsbury's crime rate is higher than Bayston Hill (32.2 per 1,000) but lower than Hanwood (50.4 per 1,000). This demonstrates variations in crime levels across the Shropshire region and highlights that Shrewsbury falls somewhere within a spectrum of safety profiles.

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