Stoke-on-Trent Crime Rate

Stoke-on-Trent is a major urban local authority with a crime rate of 131.8 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6. The area currently holds a safety score of 69/100, placing it below the national average of 79/100. Despite these figures, the crime trend in Stoke-on-Trent is stable, having seen a minor 0.9% decrease over the last year. This indicates that while the city faces significant challenges, the situation is not escalating. As a regional hub with a complex urban fabric, Stoke-on-Trent's crime profile is dominated by violence and anti-social behaviour. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics and offers practical advice for residents to enhance their personal and property safety.

About Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent, famously known as the Potteries, is a unique local authority area comprised of six distinct towns. As a major urban centre in the West Midlands, its crime statistics are influenced by its industrial heritage, dense urban layout, and role as a significant transport hub along the M6 corridor. The area features a mix of commercial centres, industrial zones, and residential neighbourhoods, which contributes to a diverse crime profile.

The presence of Staffordshire University and a large student population, along with a vibrant nightlife in areas like Hanley, naturally increases the volume of public order and anti-social behaviour reports. Economic factors associated with post-industrial transition also play a role in local crime rates. As a regional hub for employment and retail, the transient population—people coming into the city for work or shopping—can influence the per-capita crime figures. Understanding these urban dynamics is key to interpreting the safety score and crime rates for the city.

Crime in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent experiences a higher-than-average crime rate of 131.8 per 1,000 residents. The most frequent category is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 37.2% of all reported crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.4% and public order offences at 8.5%. Together, these three categories account for over 60% of all police-recorded activity in the local authority.

Property-related crime in Stoke-on-Trent, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 39.8 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, shoplifting is a significant issue, representing 6.8% of total crime, while burglary and vehicle crime each account for approximately 3.8%. For residents and homeowners, this means that while personal safety is a primary concern, property security remains essential. The elevated rates of criminal damage (8.0%) and other theft (5.4%) suggest that homes and businesses are at a higher risk of interference than in many other parts of the country.

Crime Trends in Stoke-on-Trent

The crime trend in Stoke-on-Trent is currently described as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 0.9%. This suggests that crime levels are holding steady. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern. The crime rate peaked in the summer months, reaching its highest point in July at 12.6 per 1,000 people, followed by June at 12.4. These months coincide with longer daylight hours and increased public activity.

The lowest crime rates were recorded at the beginning of the year, with February seeing the lowest rate of 8.5 per 1,000, and January at 9.2. From March onwards, the rate remained consistently above 10.0 per 1,000, reflecting the city's busy urban nature. The fact that the trend is stable despite these fluctuations is a positive sign that long-term safety is not deteriorating. However, the consistently high monthly figures mean that residents should maintain a high level of vigilance and property protection throughout the year.

Comparing Stoke-on-Trent to its neighbouring districts reveals a stark contrast in crime volumes. The city's rate of 131.8 per 1,000 is significantly higher than surrounding areas such as Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford, and Cheshire East, all of which report remarkably lower crime rates. This disparity is typical for a major urban and industrial centre when compared to more suburban and rural neighbours. For those considering the region, Stoke-on-Trent offers the amenities of a large city but requires a higher level of safety awareness and more robust property security than the quieter districts that border it.

With a property crime rate of 39.8 per 1,000, Stoke-on-Trent residents face a tangible risk of burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. In this urban environment, traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive. A standard alarm or camera system only alerts you or records footage after an intruder has already breached your property's perimeter.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's boundaries 24/7. It is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By identifying potential threats in real-time and distinguishing them from normal activity, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This immediate intervention can disrupt a criminal's plan before they even reach your door. For Stoke-on-Trent homeowners, the visible deterrence of a professional-grade system like scOS is a powerful tool in protecting assets and ensuring peace of mind in a busy urban setting.

How To Keep Safe in Stoke-on-Trent

The most prevalent crime type in Stoke-on-Trent is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 37% of all reported incidents. Personal safety in urban environments is a key priority for all residents.

1. When moving around the city, especially in the evenings, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or poorly lit alleyways.
2. If you are using public transport or walking near the city centre at night, try to travel in groups and remain aware of your surroundings.
3. Ensure your home is as secure as possible by using high-quality deadlocks on all external doors and keeping windows locked when you are not in the room.
4. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. In a busy city like Stoke, even small items left on display can attract opportunistic thieves.
5. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas, such as shopping centres or transport hubs, to prevent opportunistic theft from the person.
6. Engage with local community policing teams and neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about safety initiatives and any specific crime trends in your local town.