South Staffordshire Crime Rate

About South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire reports an overall crime rate of 57.9 per 1,000 people per year, placing it notably below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to a commendable safety score of 86 out of 100, which is significantly higher than the national average of 78. The area has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight increase of 1.8% year-over-year. These figures suggest that South Staffordshire remains a relatively safe area, offering a more secure environment compared to many other parts of the United Kingdom.

Understanding Crime in South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire is predominantly a rural and suburban local authority district, characterised by a mix of charming villages, market towns, and green belt land, with a population of 114,423 residents. Its geographical composition and lower population density, especially compared to its more urban neighbours, contribute significantly to its lower overall crime rate and higher safety score. The area's economy is a blend of agriculture, light industry, and commuter-belt residential zones, with many residents travelling to nearby cities for work. This demographic often leads to a more stable, less transient population, which can correlate with lower levels of certain crime types.

While South Staffordshire benefits from its tranquil nature, the presence of major transport routes, such as motorways and A-roads, can sometimes attract opportunistic vehicle crime or facilitate quick getaways for offenders. The district does not have large-scale nightlife or major tourism hubs that typically attract high levels of public order or violent crime, further contributing to its comparatively safer environment. The community-oriented nature of many of its settlements also plays a role, with strong local networks often acting as a deterrent and aiding in crime prevention and reporting, helping to maintain the area's positive safety profile.

Crime Type Breakdown in South Staffordshire

An analysis of crime types in South Staffordshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 41.9% of all reported incidents with 2780 crimes (24.3 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, which makes up 10.8% of crimes (716 incidents, 6.3 per 1,000), and Vehicle crime, at 8.1% of the total (537 incidents, 4.7 per 1,000). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for residents and local authorities.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 18.9 per 1,000 people per year in South Staffordshire. While this is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, it remains a significant aspect of local crime. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a need for vigilance regarding the security of their properties and vehicles, as these types of offences still occur within the area.

Crime Trends in South Staffordshire

Over the last year, South Staffordshire has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor increase of 1.8% in total crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. The period saw fluctuations, with rates at 4.8 in October 2024 and November 2024, slightly dipping to 4.4 in January and March 2025. A notable increase occurred in April 2025, reaching 5.5 per 1,000, before stabilising around 4.9-5.2 in the summer months and ending at 5.0 in September 2025. This generally stable trend suggests that while there isn't a significant escalating crime problem, residents should remain aware of minor variations in crime activity throughout the year.

Comparing South Staffordshire with Nearby Areas

When comparing South Staffordshire with its neighbours, a broader regional context emerges. South Staffordshire's overall crime rate of 57.9 per 1,000 is considerably lower than that of urban centres like Wolverhampton and Walsall, which typically face higher crime volumes. Compared to Cannock Chase and Stafford, South Staffordshire generally maintains a similar or slightly lower crime rate, indicating a consistent level of safety across these more rural or suburban districts. Against Sandwell and Telford and Wrekin, South Staffordshire often presents as a safer alternative, particularly concerning property crime rates. This comparison underscores South Staffordshire's position as a relatively secure area within the wider West Midlands region, offering a reassuring environment for its residents.

Protecting Your Home in South Staffordshire

Given South Staffordshire's property crime rate of 18.9 per 1,000 people, residents should consider robust home security measures. Traditional CCTV cameras primarily record incidents after they occur, providing footage of a burglary rather than actively preventing it. For genuine peace of mind and proactive protection, it is vital to look beyond reactive solutions.

AI-powered security systems, such as scOS, offer a different approach by preventing crime before it happens. These systems utilise multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, eliminating blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise and deter potential intruders within their critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, making burglars more likely to move on rather than risk detection.