Stoke-on-Trent Crime Rate

Stoke-on-Trent has an overall crime rate of 130.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in its safety score of 69/100, trailing the national average of 79/100. However, the trend in the city is currently stable, with a modest 2.3% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. This indicates that while the city faces higher-than-average crime challenges, local efforts are successfully preventing any significant escalation. The following sections provide a comprehensive analysis of the crime types, monthly patterns, and regional comparisons to help residents and businesses better understand the local safety environment.

Stoke-on-Trent, often known as the Potteries, is a unique polycentric city formed from the federation of six distinct towns. This industrial heritage continues to shape its demographic and economic landscape. The area is characterized by a mix of dense urban residential zones and significant industrial estates. As a major transport hub situated between Manchester and Birmingham, with the M6 motorway nearby, the city experiences a high volume of transient traffic. Economic challenges in certain wards, combined with the city's layout, contribute to its crime profile. The presence of major employers and retail centres also influences local statistics, particularly in relation to public order and opportunistic theft. Understanding these factors is key to contextualising the local crime rate and safety score.

In Stoke-on-Trent, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.3% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.4% and public order offences at 8.4%. Together, these three categories represent the majority of police activity in the city. Property crime also poses a significant challenge for residents, with a combined rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people. This includes 2,802 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 1,351 vehicle crimes, and 1,301 burglaries. Shoplifting is also a notable factor, with 2,400 offences reported. For homeowners, the prevalence of criminal damage and burglary suggests that property protection should be a high priority. The data indicates that while personal safety is a primary concern, the threat of property-related offences remains a constant factor in the urban environment.

The crime trend in Stoke-on-Trent is stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 2.3%. Monthly data from the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period shows that the crime rate reached its lowest point in February 2025, at 8.5 per 1,000 people. Following this, there was a notable increase during the spring and summer months, peaking in July 2025 at 12.6. The rate then gradually declined towards the end of the year, finishing at 10.1 in November. This pattern suggests that crime in Stoke-on-Trent often follows seasonal trends, with warmer months seeing higher levels of reported incidents. The overall stable trend is encouraging, suggesting that the city's safety is not currently in decline despite the higher-than-average base crime rate.

In the regional context of North Staffordshire and the surrounding counties, Stoke-on-Trent serves as the central urban hub and consequently reports the highest crime figures. Nearby areas such as Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stafford all show significantly lower crime rates (0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset), as do Cheshire East, East Staffordshire, and the Derbyshire Dales. This disparity is common in the UK, where crime is often concentrated in densely populated urban centres with higher commercial activity and transport links. For residents of Stoke-on-Trent, this highlights the need for more robust personal and property security measures than might be necessary in the quieter neighbouring districts.

With a property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people, Stoke-on-Trent residents must be vigilant about the security of their homes and assets. Traditional security systems often provide a false sense of security; they are reactive, meaning they only record footage or sound an alarm after a crime has already been committed. In an area with over 1,300 burglaries and 2,800 incidents of criminal damage annually, proactive protection is a far more effective strategy. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect a threat the moment it appears. Whether it's a suspicious vehicle or an individual loitering, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise. For Stoke-on-Trent homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection is the best way to ensure their property is not just another statistic.

How To Keep Safe in Stoke-on-Trent

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Stoke-on-Trent, making personal safety a key consideration for the community. When travelling through the city, particularly between the different town centres at night, it is advisable to use well-lit main roads and avoid isolated pedestrian paths. Always plan your journey in advance and use reputable taxi services if you are out late.

To stay safe across the Stoke-on-Trent local authority area:

1. Stay alert when using public transport hubs, especially during peak hours, and keep your personal belongings close to you.
2. If you are a victim of or witness to anti-social behaviour, report it to the local council or police to help them identify 'hotspots'.
3. Avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewellery in crowded areas to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
4. When walking alone, keep one ear free from headphones to remain fully aware of your surroundings.
5. Participate in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about specific issues in your town or street.