Stafford Crime Rate

Stafford is a notably safe local authority district, evidenced by its safety score of 82/100, which sits comfortably above the UK average of 79/100. For the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the overall crime rate was recorded at 73.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, highlighting the district's relative security. The trend in Stafford is currently stable, with a 2.8% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. This consistent performance suggests that Stafford remains an attractive and secure location for residents. While urban centres within the district naturally see higher incident reports, the broader statistics reflect a well-managed and generally low-risk environment for both personal and property safety.

Stafford is a local authority district in Staffordshire that blends a historic county town atmosphere with expansive rural and suburban areas. The district's crime statistics are influenced by its role as an administrative and commercial hub, with Stafford town centre serving as a focal point for retail and nightlife. The presence of major transport links, including the M6 motorway and the West Coast Main Line, contributes to a transient population that can impact crime figures, particularly regarding vehicle-related offences and theft.

Demographically, the area is largely residential, but it also hosts significant employment sectors in public administration, healthcare, and education. These hubs of activity, along with the district's proximity to larger urban centres like Stoke-on-Trent, create a dynamic environment where urban crime patterns occasionally intersect with quieter, rural surroundings. While the district maintains a high safety score, the concentration of activity in the town centre and near transport corridors often results in higher reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences compared to the more secluded parts of the borough.

In the Stafford district, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 41.8% of all recorded incidents (30.6 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.9% and public order offences at 8.6%. These three categories represent the majority of police activity, often concentrated in town centres and areas with high footfall.

Property crime in Stafford, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 20.0 per 1,000 people. Within this category, 'other theft' (6.4%) and shoplifting (6.0%) are the most frequent, while burglary accounts for 3.0% and vehicle crime for 2.8% of the total. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while the risk of a break-in is relatively low compared to the national average, opportunistic theft remains a persistent issue. The property crime rate of 20.0 is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that Stafford is a comparatively secure place for property owners. However, the prevalence of criminal damage and arson (7.2%) suggests that vandalism is a notable concern that requires proactive property maintenance and security.

The crime trend in the Stafford district is currently stable, having seen a modest 2.8% decrease in total offences over the last year. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the local population. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents started the year at 5.2 in both January and February.

There was a noticeable increase as the year progressed, with rates climbing to a peak of 7.2 in June and remaining relatively high at 6.9 in July. This summer peak is a common trend in many UK districts. The rate fluctuated in the latter half of the year, ending with a rise to 6.5 in December, which may be linked to the increased activity around the festive period. For residents, these patterns suggest that while the area is generally safe, maintaining a high level of vigilance during the summer months and the end-of-year holidays is advisable, as these periods typically see higher volumes of reported incidents.

Stafford is situated in a region with varying crime profiles. When compared to nearby areas such as South Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock Chase, Newcastle-under-Lyme, East Staffordshire, and Telford and Wrekin, Stafford's rate of 73.2 per 1,000 is a useful benchmark. Although these neighbouring areas show negligible crime rates in the provided data set, Stafford's performance against the national average (91.6) remains strong. For those looking at the Staffordshire region, the district offers a balance of urban amenities and high safety standards, making it a reliable choice for families and professionals who value a secure living environment.

Stafford's property crime rate of 20.0 per 1,000 residents is a positive indicator of the area's safety, yet property owners must still contend with over 2,800 property-related offences annually across the district. Relying on traditional security, like standard CCTV, often means you only get footage of a crime after it has happened. To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is necessary.

The scOS operating system is designed to prevent crime by using AI to detect potential threats at your property's boundary. Unlike reactive systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property 24/7, identifying suspicious behaviour before an entry is attempted. It can distinguish between regular routines and genuine threats, triggering autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers to deter intruders. In an area like Stafford, where criminal damage and burglary are notable concerns, having a system that stops a crime before it starts provides a level of security that traditional recording devices simply cannot match.

How To Keep Safe in Stafford

The most common crime in the Stafford district is violence and sexual offences. While this is a broad category, staying safe involves practicing good personal awareness. When in the town centre or other busy areas, especially at night, try to stay with friends and use well-lit routes. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like your phone can help you spot potential issues early.

Given the presence of anti-social behaviour as the second highest crime type, it is helpful to report any recurring issues in your neighbourhood to local authorities, as this helps them allocate resources effectively. For homeowners, the district's property crime statistics suggest that while the risk is low, basic precautions are effective. Ensure all doors and windows are locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Visible security measures, such as professional-grade cameras or alarm systems, are strong deterrents. If you live near major transport links, be extra vigilant with vehicle security—never leave valuables on display and ensure your car is always locked. Engaging with local community safety groups can also keep you informed about any specific local trends.