Wem Crime Rate

Wem's crime rate of 63.8 per 1,000 is 29.9% below the UK average, making it one of the safer areas in Shropshire. However, the possession of weapons rate is 23% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000), a striking anomaly in an otherwise low-crime environment. This contrast between overall safety and a specific elevated risk highlights the need for targeted local analysis. Anti-social behaviour is rising rapidly (+47% YoY) but remains 8% below the UK average, while property crime is 47.7% lower than the national average.

Wem is a historic market town in Shropshire, known for its cobbled streets and proximity to the Welsh border. Its compact built-up area combines residential neighbourhoods with small-scale retail and light industry. The lower crime rates may reflect its close-knit community and limited commercial activity compared to larger towns. However, the elevated possession of weapons rate suggests specific local factors, such as targeted policing efforts or community-specific issues.

The most surprising finding is that possession of weapons is 23% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000), despite Wem's overall safety. This contrasts with other categories: anti-social behaviour is rising by 47% YoY but remains 8% below the UK average. The town's property crime rate is 47.7% below the UK average, with burglary at 2.5 per 1,000 (23% below UK levels). This may be due to its smaller population and limited high-value property. Vehicle crime is particularly low (69% below UK average), likely because of reduced commuter parking and fewer public transport hubs. The drop in robbery by 50% YoY could reflect improved street lighting or community policing. However, the elevated weapon possession rate remains unexplained by standard urban factors, suggesting a need for deeper local analysis.

Crime in Wem has remained stable at 2.0% YoY, with no significant overall increase or decrease. Robbery has dropped by 50% YoY, likely due to improved street lighting or community policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour, however, has surged by 47% YoY, though it remains 8% below the UK average. The possession of weapons rate has risen by 40% YoY, reaching 1.1 per 1,000 (23% above the UK average), indicating a need for targeted local intervention. Other notable trends include a 30.4% drop in burglary and a 22.2% decrease in other theft, suggesting improved property security measures. The overall stability in crime rates despite these fluctuations highlights the town's resilience in maintaining a low-crime environment.

How To Keep Safe in Wem

Wem's overall safety is strong, but the 23% above-average rate for possession of weapons requires specific attention. For households, scOS's AI-powered perimeter monitoring can detect unusual activity near properties, addressing potential weapon-related risks. Community vigilance around anti-social behaviour, which has risen by 47% YoY, should focus on reporting disturbances to local authorities. Given the low vehicle crime rate (69% below UK average), parking vehicles in well-lit, visible areas is advisable. Residents should be aware of the 50% YoY drop in robbery, which may indicate improved street lighting or policing efforts, but remain cautious during late evenings when theft from the person is rare but concentrated.

Crime in Wem peaks during late afternoon and evening hours, with burglary rates highest between 15:00-18:00 (28% of daily cases) and vehicle crime rising overnight (25% at night). Theft from the person is rare but concentrated in late evenings, while other crimes like criminal damage peak during night hours (56% of cases). The town's low overall crime rate may be partly due to its compact size and limited commercial areas, but the elevated weapon possession rate remains unexplained by standard urban factors. Weekend patterns show higher activity on Fridays and Saturdays, aligning with increased nightlife and social gatherings.

Compared to nearby areas, Wem has a 27% higher crime rate than Prees (50.4 per 1,000). However, Wem's safety score of 85/100 is 6 points above the UK average, while Prees's safety score is 79/100. This suggests that while Wem has a slightly higher overall crime rate than its immediate neighbour, its safety profile remains stronger due to lower property crime rates and better police response times.

For Wem households, scOS's proactive boundary detection and vehicle verification features are particularly relevant. With possession of weapons at 23% above the UK average (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000), scOS's AI monitoring of property perimeters can identify potential threats early. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification helps flag stolen or cloned plates near homes, addressing the risk of vehicle crime (69% below UK average). The system's behavioural pattern learning distinguishes regular visitors from potential threats, reducing false alarms. For an area with lower property crime but specific elevated risks, scOS shifts focus from passive recording to active deterrence, raising the risk for opportunistic offenders.