South Staffordshire Crime Rate

South Staffordshire is a safe and well-regarded district, featuring an overall crime rate of 58.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 85/100. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, having seen a minor 3.6% increase over the past year. With a property crime rate of 18.8 per 1,000, residents benefit from a level of security that is notably better than the national benchmark. This overview provides a detailed analysis of the crime statistics for South Staffordshire, offering insights into local safety and the most common types of reported incidents.

About South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire is a largely rural and suburban local authority area, bordering the West Midlands conurbation. It is characterised by its numerous villages and market towns, such as Codsall, Wombourne, and Penkridge. The area's proximity to major cities like Wolverhampton and Walsall, combined with its excellent transport links via the M6, M54, and A449, influences its crime profile. These corridors can attract transient populations and opportunistic criminal activity.

The district is home to several large business parks and a significant amount of high-value residential property. This combination of affluent neighbourhoods and easy motorway access often makes the area a target for vehicle-related offences and theft. While South Staffordshire maintains a high safety score of 85/100, its role as a green belt area surrounding major urban hubs means that its crime statistics are often influenced by its proximity to these larger cities.

Crime in South Staffordshire

In South Staffordshire, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 42.1% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 10.8% and vehicle crime at 8.0%. For homeowners, the property crime rate is a key metric, currently standing at 18.8 per 1,000 people. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and all forms of theft.

Looking closer at property-related offences, vehicle crime is the most significant concern at 8.0%, followed by "other theft" at 6.1% and burglary at 4.8%. This suggests that while South Staffordshire is generally safe, vehicle-related offences and opportunistic theft are the primary property concerns for residents. Ensuring that vehicles are well-secured and that homes have robust perimeter protection is essential for mitigating these risks in the community.

Crime Trends in South Staffordshire

The crime trend in South Staffordshire is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 3.6% in total recorded incidents. Monthly data shows a consistent pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents mostly staying between 4.4 and 5.5. The year began with a rate of 4.8 in November 2024, with the lowest point of 4.4 recorded in January and March 2025.

There was a noticeable increase during the spring and summer months, with the rate peaking at 5.5 in April 2025. This seasonal rise is common across the UK as longer days and warmer weather often lead to more public activity. By September and October 2025, the rate returned to 5.4. For residents, these figures indicate a stable and predictable safety environment, with no significant spikes in criminal activity over the past year.

South Staffordshire is situated in a region with significant variations in crime profiles. When compared to nearby areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Sandwell, it maintains a much safer and more suburban profile. It also sees lower crime activity than other neighbours like Cannock Chase, Stafford, and Telford and Wrekin. While some neighbouring benchmarks are listed at 0.0 for regional comparison, South Staffordshire's rate of 58.4 per 1,000 remains well below the national average, making it a preferred choice for families and professionals in the West Midlands and Staffordshire area.

Proactive Security in South Staffordshire

With a property crime rate of 18.8 per 1,000 people, South Staffordshire is safer than many parts of the UK, yet property-related offences like vehicle crime, theft, and burglary still account for a notable portion of local reports. Traditional security systems are often reactive, meaning they only record footage of a crime as it happens. For homeowners in South Staffordshire, the focus should be on proactive prevention to ensure their property is never targeted in the first place.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers this proactive layer of protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can identify suspicious activity, such as someone loitering near your driveway or checking your vehicle, the moment it occurs. Unlike standard cameras that send constant false alerts, scOS learns your family's routines and only notifies you of genuine threats. Its autonomous response system, including deterrent lighting and audio warnings, can stop a criminal in their tracks. In an area where vehicle crime and opportunistic theft are the primary concerns, scOS provides the professional-grade security needed to keep your home safe.

How To Keep Safe in South Staffordshire

The most common crime in South Staffordshire is violence and sexual offences, representing 42.1% of all incidents. While the area is generally safe, taking proactive steps can help you maintain your personal and property security.

1. Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime being a significant factor (8.0%), always double-check that your car is locked and use a steering wheel lock or Faraday pouch for keyless entry fobs.
2. Improve Perimeter Lighting: Since theft and criminal damage often occur in dark or secluded spots, installing motion-activated lighting around your home can be a powerful deterrent.
3. Engage with the Community: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about recent activity and work with your neighbours to keep your street safe.
4. Home Security Awareness: Ensure that all entry points, including sheds and garages, are fitted with high-quality locks to mitigate the risk of burglary and theft.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: Always report unusual behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Consistent reporting helps the police allocate resources to the areas that need them most.