Stafford Crime Rate

The Stafford Local Authority District (LAD) recorded an overall crime rate of 72.5 per 1,000 people for the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 82/100 (UK average is 79/100). The crime trend in Stafford is currently stable, showing a decrease of 2.5% year-over-year. This indicates that Stafford is not only safer than the national average but is also maintaining a consistent or slightly improving safety profile. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the specific types of crime in the area and analysis of monthly trends to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

Stafford is a historic market town and the administrative centre of Staffordshire, characterised by a blend of urban residential areas, commercial centres, and rural villages. As a major transport hub, particularly with its position on the West Coast Main Line and proximity to the M6 motorway, Stafford experiences a high volume of transient traffic. This connectivity influences the local crime profile, as it facilitates the movement of people and goods across the region.

The area's economy is diverse, with significant employment in public administration, healthcare, and education, alongside a growing retail and leisure sector in the town centre. These factors contribute to the crime statistics, with retail areas often seeing higher instances of shoplifting and town centres experiencing public order issues related to the nighttime economy. Stafford also has a significant student population due to its proximity to university campuses, which can influence certain types of opportunistic property crime. The local authority district's mix of affluent suburban neighbourhoods and more densely populated urban pockets creates a varied safety landscape, but overall, Stafford maintains a reputation as a relatively stable and secure place to live and work.

In Stafford, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.9% of all reported incidents, with 4,297 crimes recorded annually. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.8% and public order offences at 8.8%. These figures reflect common trends in regional administrative centres where high levels of daytime activity and a concentrated nighttime economy can lead to social and interpersonal offences.

Property-related crime in Stafford has a combined rate of 19.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (6.9%), other theft (6.6%), and shoplifting (5.9%) are the most prevalent. Burglary and vehicle crime are less frequent, each representing about 3% of the total crime. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the overall risk of property crime is relatively low, opportunistic theft and vandalism are the most common concerns. The low rate of burglary (2.1 per 1,000) is encouraging, but it still represents over 300 incidents a year. This suggests that while Stafford is generally safe, maintaining visible security measures and sensible precautions for homes and vehicles remains important to deter opportunistic criminals who may be active in the area.

The monthly crime trend in Stafford shows a fairly steady pattern throughout the year. Starting at 5.9 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024, the rate dipped slightly in the winter months to 5.2 before rising in the spring and peaking at 7.2 in June 2025. The latter half of the year saw a gradual decline, returning to 5.5 by November 2025. This suggests a minor seasonal increase during the summer months, likely linked to more people being outdoors and active.

With a year-over-year change of -2.5%, the crime rate in Stafford is remarkably stable and slightly improving. This lack of significant change indicates that the local safety environment is consistent and that local policing and community efforts are effectively managing crime levels. For residents, this stability is reassuring, suggesting that while they should remain vigilant during the busier summer months, the overall risk remains low and consistent throughout the year.

In a regional context, Stafford (72.5 per 1,000) has a higher reported crime rate than its more rural or suburban neighbours like South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, and Newcastle-under-Lyme, all of which report lower figures in this data. However, Stafford is significantly safer than larger nearby urban areas such as Stoke-on-Trent and Telford and Wrekin. This comparison highlights Stafford's position as a mid-sized administrative hub; it experiences more activity than its immediate rural surroundings but remains a much more secure environment than the region's larger industrial cities. For those considering the region, Stafford offers a balanced safety profile that combines urban convenience with a lower-than-average crime risk.

With a property crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 people, Stafford is a relatively safe area for homeowners. However, property-related offences like criminal damage and theft still occur, and proactive protection is the most effective way to ensure your home remains secure. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY alarms, are reactive; they notify you or record footage after a crime has already taken place.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's entire boundary, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time before they escalate. It learns to distinguish between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts when it truly matters. If an unidentified person is detected near your home at night, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio deterrents. This immediate intervention often discourages opportunistic criminals, who prefer easier targets. In a stable environment like Stafford, scOS provides an extra layer of proactive security that ensures your home stays as safe as possible.

How To Keep Safe in Stafford

The most common crime type in Stafford is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 42% of all reports. To stay safe, particularly in the town centre or during evening hours, it is advisable to remain in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use reputable taxi services.

While property crime is low, the presence of criminal damage and theft suggests that basic home security should not be overlooked. Ensure that side gates are locked and that garden tools or ladders are not left out, as these can be used by opportunistic thieves. For vehicle safety, always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any bags or electronics on display. Being part of a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch can also provide valuable insights into any specific crime patterns emerging in your part of Stafford, allowing you to take early preventative action with your neighbours. Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce your risk and help maintain Stafford's high standard of safety.