Balsall Common Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Balsall Common's crime profile in January 2024, accounting for 35.5% of all reported crimes. With an overall crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents—50% below the UK average of 7.4—the area demonstrates a consistently lower risk of crime compared to national trends. This rate, however, masks variations in specific categories: while violence remains significantly below the UK average, burglary and other thefts show mixed comparisons. The built-up nature of Balsall Common, situated within Solihull, likely influences these patterns. Its compact size and limited retail infrastructure may reduce opportunities for shoplifting and vehicle crime, yet the 100% increase in vehicle crime suggests unanticipated factors, such as changes in parking behaviour or seasonal vehicle movements. The post-holiday period in January, with shorter days and reduced foot traffic, likely contributed to lower rates of theft from the person and shoplifting, though the rise in violence and sexual offences may reflect local social dynamics or unmet policing needs. These findings align with the broader trend of lower crime rates in areas with strong community cohesion and limited commercial activity, though the 39% above UK average for burglary indicates targeted efforts may be needed in property crime prevention.

January 2024 saw a 57.1% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from seven to 11 incidents. This category remains 50% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting local factors may suppress violence despite the rise. Vehicle crime surged by 100%, jumping from zero to three incidents—a notable shift that may reflect seasonal changes in parking patterns or vehicle usage. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 66.7%, from six to two incidents, linked to reduced retail footfall during the post-holiday period. Anti-social behaviour remained 49% below the UK average (1.0 per 1,000), while burglary was 39% above the UK rate (0.4 per 1,000), indicating a localised challenge in property crime prevention. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in a built-up area with a small population.

Balsall Common's crime rate in January 2024 fell to 3.7 per 1,000 residents, a 6.3% decrease from the previous month's 4.0 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the month—a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 8,281. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 267 residents over the course of January. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low risk of crime in the area compared to national averages, though local variations in crime types suggest ongoing community-specific factors. The absence of a UK-wide daily comparison means this figure remains a local benchmark, useful for residents to contextualise their personal risk within the built-up area.