Shrewsbury Crime Rate

Shrewsbury maintains a positive safety profile, with the latest statistics showing an overall crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a solid safety score of 80/100. Most encouragingly, the town has seen a 5.2% decrease in total crime year-over-year, indicating a positive trend in local security. As the primary commercial and administrative centre for Shropshire, Shrewsbury naturally experiences more activity than surrounding rural areas, yet it remains safer than many comparable UK towns. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time-based patterns, and regional comparisons for the period from December 2024 to November 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories. Violence and sexual offences lead the figures with 2,616 reported incidents, making up 36.6% of all crime and a rate of 32.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 1,344 reports (18.8%), followed by shoplifting, which accounts for 802 incidents (11.2%).

Property-related crime in Shrewsbury occurs at a rate of 27.8 per 1,000 people. This combined figure includes 199 burglaries, 164 vehicle crimes, and 333 instances of 'other theft'. Additionally, there were 529 reports of criminal damage and arson, alongside smaller numbers of bicycle thefts, robberies, and thefts from the person. For residents, these statistics indicate that while the town is generally safe, there is a consistent level of opportunistic theft and retail-related crime. The burglary rate of 2.4 per 1,000 is relatively low, but the high prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour suggests that central commercial areas are the main hotspots for activity. Homeowners should focus on visible deterrents and boundary security to mitigate the risk of property crime.

Crime Trends in Shrewsbury

The long-term crime trend in Shrewsbury is encouraging, with a 5.2% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. When looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, we see a relatively stable pattern with a few notable fluctuations. The year began with crime rates around 7.0 to 7.3 per 1,000 people.

A significant peak occurred in April 2025, where the rate rose to 8.4, followed by another high point in August at 8.2. These spikes often coincide with holiday periods and increased visitor numbers. However, the latter part of the year saw a marked improvement, with September and October recording rates of 6.2 and 6.4 respectively. This downward trend towards the end of the period suggests that safety initiatives are proving effective. For residents, this overall decrease provides reassurance that Shrewsbury is maintaining its status as a safe and improving urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Shrewsbury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Shrewsbury, often concentrated in the town centre. To stay safe, particularly during the evening, it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone through parks or quiet side streets. If you are enjoying the town's nightlife, plan your return journey in advance and stay with friends.

Given that shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are also prevalent, residents should be mindful in busy retail areas. Keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. For homeowners, the afternoon and night-time periods see a higher percentage of property-related offences. Ensure that your home is always locked, even when you are inside, and consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter unwanted activity around your perimeter. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also help you stay informed about specific issues in your part of Shrewsbury, fostering a safer community for everyone.

Analysis of crime timing in Shrewsbury reveals clear patterns linked to the town's daily rhythm. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for approximately 40% of crimes in these periods. This aligns with peak shopping hours in the town's retail centres. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become dominant, making up 62% of activity. Overnight (12am-6am), the focus shifts significantly towards property crime; vehicle crime peaks at 23% of incidents during this window, and burglary accounts for 19%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, the night-time hours present a higher risk for residential and vehicle security. Residents are advised to be particularly vigilant with property and vehicle locking during these late-night hours.

Shrewsbury serves as the central hub for the surrounding region, and its crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 reflects its urban status. When compared to nearby settlements, it has a higher activity level than Bayston Hill (32.2) and Hanwood (52.0). Other very close areas such as Lythbank and Condover recorded a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the contrast between the town centre and the quiet rural outskirts. For those looking to live in the area, Shrewsbury offers the most amenities but with the trade-off of higher reported crime than its immediate neighbours, although it remains safer than the UK average as a whole.

Home Security and Property Protection in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury's property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000 residents highlights a moderate but persistent risk to homeowners. While the town is generally safe, the 199 burglaries and 529 cases of criminal damage reported last year demonstrate that opportunistic criminals are active. Most traditional security systems, like standard alarms or basic CCTV, are reactive—they only notify you once an intruder has already entered your property.

For true peace of mind in Shrewsbury, a proactive approach is essential. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike traditional cameras that just record footage of a crime, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. By triggering autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers, it destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This immediate deterrence is far more effective at preventing property crime, ensuring that your home remains a hard target and that potential intruders move on before any damage is done.