Balsall Common Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Balsall Common's August 2024 crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents places it 59.8% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, underscoring its status as a comparatively safe built-up area within Solihull. The crime profile shows a near-even split between violent and property crimes, with 12 incidents each. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44.4% of all crimes, slightly below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (Balsall Common's rate was 1.5 per 1,000). Vehicle crime, at 0.7 per 1,000, was 56% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000 but represented the largest single category in the breakdown. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month, increased tourism, and potential empty homes—may have influenced patterns, though the overall low rate suggests that local factors such as community policing or residential density likely contribute to the area's safety. Shoplifting and other thefts remained well below UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.4 per 1,000 (44% below the UK rate) and other theft at 0.2 per 1,000 (65% below). These figures align with Balsall Common's character as a residential area with limited commercial activity compared to larger urban centres, though the vehicle crime spike hints at possible unaddressed risks in transport infrastructure or parking security.

August 2024 marked a sharp rise in vehicle crime, which doubled from 3 to 6 incidents—a 100% increase over the previous month. This surge, while still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000 (Balsall Common's rate was 0.7 per 1,000), stands out as the most notable shift in the month. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 50%, climbing from 2 to 3 cases, and possession of weapons increased from 0 to 1, a 100% jump. These increases contrast with steep declines in other categories: criminal damage and arson fell 75% (from 4 to 1), public order offences dropped 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and anti-social behaviour decreased by 50% (from 2 to 1). The balance between property and violent crime remained close, with 12 incidents each, but vehicle crime's jump moved it to the top of the breakdown. Residents may find the vehicle crime increase particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a potential shift in local patterns that could warrant closer attention.

Balsall Common's crime rate in August 2024 fell 27.1% compared to July, dropping from 4.5 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the area's generally low crime profile, which has consistently placed it well below the UK average. On a daily basis, 27 total crimes reported over 31 days equate to approximately one crime per day—a rate that would be considered routine in most UK towns. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 307 residents. This figure contextualises the rate within the local population, offering residents a tangible sense of risk. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Balsall Common's safety remains a defining characteristic, with crime levels that are starkly lower than the UK average. While daily crime counts may fluctuate, the monthly aggregate reinforces the area's reputation as a relatively secure built-up area within Solihull.