Balsall Common Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a community of 8,281 residents, 42 reported crimes in July 2023 equate to one crime for every 200 people—a rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents. This places Balsall Common 38.6% below the UK average of 8.3 crimes per 1,000, a stark contrast to the national trend. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (16 incidents, 38.1% of total), followed by burglary (5 incidents) and shoplifting (4 incidents). The balance of violent and property crimes was unusually even, with 16 each, diverging from typical patterns seen in larger urban areas where property crime often dominates. Seasonal factors likely played a role in the crime profile: July, a peak summer month with schools out and tourism in full swing, may have influenced patterns. The relatively low overall rate could reflect Balsall Common’s character as a mixed-use built-up area within Solihull, where residential density is lower than in major cities but higher than in rural zones. The absence of major retail hubs or nightlife districts may partly explain the lower rates of shoplifting and public order offences compared to similar-sized urban centres. However, the sharp rise in burglary and other crime categories suggests localized vulnerabilities that warrant closer attention.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing 100% increases from June: burglary (0 to 5), shoplifting (2 to 4), and other crime (0 to 3). These rises contrast with steep declines in other theft (-80%), vehicle crime (-66.7%), and public order offences (-33.3%). The violent crime category, which accounted for nearly 40% of all incidents, remained significantly below the UK average for violence and sexual offences (32% below). Conversely, burglary in Balsall Common was 82% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, highlighting a localised issue. This disparity may reflect the area’s residential character, where targeted burglaries could occur more frequently than in commercial districts. Residents might find the 100% increase in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a potential shift in criminal activity during the summer months. The drop in vehicle crime, meanwhile, could be linked to the typical summer pattern of reduced car usage or increased community vigilance around parking areas. These fluctuations illustrate how local conditions—such as seasonal tourism or temporary changes in community activity—can influence crime trends in ways distinct from broader national patterns.

July’s crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents marked a 4.5% decrease from June’s 5.3, indicating a slight but measurable improvement in safety. On a daily basis, Balsall Common experienced roughly one crime per day during the month, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local risks. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 197 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic underscores the area’s relative safety compared to the national context, though these figures are specific to Balsall Common and cannot be directly compared to UK-wide averages. The population of 8,281 means that each resident’s risk of being directly affected by crime is proportionally lower than in more densely populated areas. For example, in a larger city with a crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000, the equivalent monthly exposure would be one crime for every 120 residents. This contrast highlights the importance of localised factors—such as Solihull’s suburban character and Balsall Common’s built-up but relatively low-density layout—in shaping crime outcomes. While the overall rate remains low, the specific increases in burglary and other crime categories suggest that targeted interventions may be necessary to address emerging trends.