Telford and Wrekin Crime Rate

Telford and Wrekin is a varied local authority with an overall crime rate of 94.0 per 1,000 people. This is slightly above the UK average of 91.6, earning the borough a safety score of 78/100, which is just below the national average of 79/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 4.7% increase year-over-year, indicating a consistent safety environment across its diverse urban and rural landscape. While the borough's larger town centres experience typical urban crime patterns, many of its constituent areas remain exceptionally safe. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the specific crime types reported and the trends observed across the borough between January and December 2025.

About Telford and Wrekin

Telford and Wrekin is a diverse local authority in Shropshire, characterized by the large new town of Telford and several historic market towns like Newport and Wellington. The area features a mix of high-density urban residential neighbourhoods, major industrial estates, and extensive commercial retail centres. As a significant regional employment hub, Telford attracts a large commuter population and has busy transport links, including the M54 motorway.

The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its urban-rural split. Telford's town centre and commercial hubs see higher levels of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, while its residential areas experience typical urban challenges like violence and vehicle crime. The presence of major retail parks and a vibrant nightlife scene in certain districts also contributes to the overall crime volume. Conversely, the more rural parts of the borough remain much quieter and safer. Despite having an overall crime rate slightly above the UK average, many of its constituent towns and villages maintain high safety scores, reflecting the area's varied socio-economic landscape and the successful impact of local community safety initiatives.

Crime Breakdown in Telford and Wrekin

Telford and Wrekin experiences a range of criminal activity, with violence and sexual offences being the most significant category, accounting for 40.5% of all reported incidents. This equates to 38.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 15.3%, followed by shoplifting at 10.0%. These figures show that personal safety and social conduct are the primary focuses of local police activity, alongside business-related crime in the borough's commercial centres.

The overall property crime rate in Telford and Wrekin is 27.4 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. This rate is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that the borough is relatively secure for property owners compared to other urban authorities. However, shoplifting and other theft together account for over 15% of all crime, reflecting the borough's status as a major regional retail destination. For residents, these statistics indicate that while the risk of serious property crime is lower than the national average, maintaining vigilance regarding retail and personal property security remains important.

Crime Trends in Telford and Wrekin

Total crime in Telford and Wrekin is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 4.7%. This suggests that the borough's safety environment is consistent and that there have been no major shifts in criminal activity over the last twelve months.

The monthly trend data for 2025 shows some variability throughout the year. The safest month was January, with a rate of 7.0 crimes per 1,000 residents, which was matched in February. In contrast, July 2025 saw a peak, with the rate climbing to 9.4, followed by May at 8.5 and June at 8.4. The rates remained relatively high through the summer before dipping slightly in the autumn and winter months. These fluctuations suggest that crime in the borough is slightly higher during the summer months, possibly linked to increased outdoor activity and school holidays. For residents, the overall stable annual trend is a positive indicator of long-term security in the local authority.

Telford and Wrekin is a major urban and industrial hub within the West Midlands region. When compared to its more rural neighbours—Shropshire, South Staffordshire, and Stafford—it has a higher reported crime rate, which is typical for an area with its population density and commercial activity. It also sees more activity than nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme and Cannock Chase. However, Telford and Wrekin serves as a significant regional centre for employment and retail, which naturally leads to higher levels of reported incidents than the surrounding countryside. For residents and businesses, the borough offers a dynamic environment with a safety profile that remains competitive with other major UK regional centres.

With a property crime rate of 27.4 per 1,000 people, Telford and Wrekin is relatively safe, but the prevalence of shoplifting and other theft—together accounting for over 15% of all incidents—means that security should be a priority for both residents and business owners. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, recording a crime but failing to stop it. For those who want the highest level of protection, scOS offers a proactive, AI-powered security operating system. By monitoring property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter potential intruders in real-time. This is particularly effective in an area like Telford and Wrekin, where burglary and vehicle crime, though lower than the national average, are still persistent concerns. A visible and proactive system like scOS ensures your property is a "hard target," encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on and preserving the peace of your home or business. Professional-grade equipment managed by scOS signals that your property is not an easy target, ensuring that your security standards are maintained at the highest level.

How To Keep Safe in Telford and Wrekin

The most common crime in Telford and Wrekin is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is generally safe, staying aware of your surroundings is the most effective way to maintain personal safety in any urban environment.

1. When walking in busy town centres or near transport hubs, especially after dark, stick to well-lit main paths and avoid isolated shortcuts.
2. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded retail areas and shopping centres to deter opportunistic theft and shoplifting-related incidents.
3. If you are out in the evening, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services to ensure you get home safely.
4. Ensure your home and vehicle are always locked and secure; visible security measures can be a strong deterrent to opportunistic offenders.
5. Trust your instincts—if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, move to a busier, well-lit area immediately.
6. Engaging with local community safety partnerships can help you stay informed about any local safety issues and foster a more secure borough.