Stoke-on-Trent Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Stoke-on-Trent BUA

Stoke-on-Trent Built-Up Area (BUA), with a population of 262,362, has an overall crime rate of 132.4 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is higher than the national UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. Property-related crime in the BUA stands at 40.5 per 1,000, also exceeding the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. The area achieves a safety score of 69 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety, though it is below the UK average safety score of 78/100. Over the past year, crime in Stoke-on-Trent BUA has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 3.6% year-on-year, providing a backdrop for the detailed crime data presented.

Crime Type Analysis in Stoke-on-Trent BUA

Within the Stoke-on-Trent Built-Up Area, violence and sexual offences represent the most common crime type, accounting for 12,943 incidents, or 37.3% of all crimes, at a rate of 49.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most reported issue, with 5,970 crimes (17.2%), a rate of 22.8 per 1,000. Public order offences follow as the third highest category, with 2,943 crimes, making up 8.5% of the total and a rate of 11.2 per 1,000.

Property-related crime is a significant area of concern, with an overall rate of 40.5 per 1,000 people in the Stoke-on-Trent BUA. This includes burglary (1,312 crimes, 5.0 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (2,817 crimes, 10.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1,359 crimes, 5.2 per 1,000), other theft (1,916 crimes, 7.3 per 1,000), bicycle theft (244 crimes, 0.9 per 1,000), and robbery (448 crimes, 1.7 per 1,000). While non-property crimes are more frequent, the prevalence of property offences underscores the importance of robust security measures for both homes and businesses in the area.

Crime Trends in Stoke-on-Trent BUA

Stoke-on-Trent BUA has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor decrease of 3.6% in total reported crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. An analysis of monthly crime rates reveals fluctuations throughout the year. Rates were at their lowest in the early part of 2025, with 9.4 crimes per 1,000 in January and 8.7 in February, indicating a typical seasonal downturn. However, crime began to increase in the spring, reaching 11.3 in March, 11.6 in April, and 11.6 in May. The summer months saw the highest rates, peaking at 12.7 in June and 13.0 in July, before a slight decline to 11.9 in August and 11.4 in September. This consistent seasonal pattern, with higher activity during warmer months, provides valuable insight for residents regarding periods of increased vigilance.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Stoke-on-Trent BUA

Crime in Stoke-on-Trent BUA follows distinct patterns throughout the day, influenced by daily routines and activities. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft accounts for a significant 39% of crimes, alongside 11% burglary and 14% vehicle crime. This period often coincides with commuting and the opening of businesses, presenting opportunities for such offences. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a peak in theft, representing 42% of crimes, likely driven by increased commercial activity and foot traffic in retail areas. Burglary also remains notable at 19%.

As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am), crime patterns shift, with a substantial 56% categorised as 'Other' crimes, which can include a diverse range of offences. Burglary is still present at 16%, and vehicle crime at 13%. This period often aligns with increased social activity and reduced visibility for some properties. The night hours (12am - 6am) are characterised by a rise in burglary (20%) and vehicle crime (34%), typically when properties are unattended or vulnerable, and fewer people are out. Understanding these hourly and daily fluctuations can help residents and businesses implement targeted preventative measures.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Built-Up Areas

To provide local context for crime in Stoke-on-Trent BUA, it is helpful to compare its statistics with adjacent built-up areas. Nearby areas such as Cookshill, Barlaston, Werrington, and Tittensor offer a localised comparison. As an urban centre, Stoke-on-Trent BUA typically exhibits different crime patterns and rates compared to these smaller, often more suburban or semi-rural settlements. Understanding these regional variations can help residents and those considering the area to gauge the relative safety and crime landscape within the immediate vicinity of Stoke-on-Trent BUA.

Enhancing Security in Stoke-on-Trent BUA

With a property crime rate of 40.5 per 1,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent BUA, focusing on proactive home security is paramount. Relying solely on traditional CCTV to record a burglary after it has happened offers little comfort. Instead, consider advanced solutions that prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS provide this level of proactive protection. These systems detect threats at your property boundary, acting before an intruder can gain entry. Utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can immediately flag suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities discern between authorised activity and genuine threats, minimising unnecessary alerts. The system's autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, creates an immediate deterrent, often causing would-be burglars to abandon their attempts within seconds. This professional-grade security offers a significant advantage over reactive DIY systems, providing real-time intervention and deterrence rather than just post-event notification. For residents in Stoke-on-Trent BUA, investing in such a system means moving beyond simply recording crime to actively preventing it.