Telford Crime Rate

Telford is a major urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 102.6 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6, earning the town a safety score of 76/100, which is just below the national average of 79/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 4.3% increase year-over-year, indicating a consistent safety environment for its residents. As a significant regional hub for employment, industry, and retail, Telford's crime statistics reflect its busy urban nature. While the town centre experiences typical urban crime patterns, many of its residential neighbourhoods remain secure. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the specific crime types reported and the temporal patterns observed in the town between January and December 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Telford

Telford is an urban settlement where violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 40.3% of all reported incidents. This equates to 41.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 16.0%, followed by shoplifting at 10.6%. These figures reflect the challenges of a major town, where personal safety, social conduct, and business-related crime are the primary focuses of local police activity.

The property crime rate in Telford is 30.3 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. This rate is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.2, making the town relatively secure for property owners compared to other major urban centres. Shoplifting and other theft also contribute notably to the total, at 10.6% and 5.5% respectively, reflecting Telford's status as a major regional retail destination. For residents and business owners, these statistics indicate that while the town is safer than many comparable areas, property and vehicle security remain essential to protect against opportunistic theft in both residential and shopping districts.

Crime Trends in Telford

Total crime in Telford is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 4.3%. This suggests that the town'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 months were February and January, with rates of 7.6 and 7.7 crimes per 1,000 residents respectively. In contrast, July 2025 saw a peak, with the rate climbing to 10.3, followed by May at 9.4 and April, June, and August all at 9.0. The rates remained relatively high through the summer before dipping slightly in the autumn and winter months. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Telford is slightly higher during the spring and 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 town.

How To Keep Safe in Telford

The most common crime in Telford is violence and sexual offences. While the town 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 Neighbourhood Watch groups can help you stay informed about any local safety issues and foster a more secure community.

Temporal patterns in Telford show that theft is the most frequent crime during daylight hours, accounting for 46% of incidents in the morning (6am to 12pm) and rising to 48% in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm). This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when the town is most active. As the day ends, the focus shifts; evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a significant rise in "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which make up 56% of reports. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime and burglary become more prominent, accounting for 28% and 20% of all incidents respectively. These patterns highlight the need for consistent, 24-hour home security, with a particular focus on the afternoon and overnight periods.

Telford is the largest urban centre in its region. When compared to nearby market towns—Shifnal, Lilleshall, and Broseley—it has a significantly higher reported crime rate, which is typical for a major town with its population density and commercial activity. While comparative data for Allscott shows a zero crime rate, Telford serves as a major regional centre for employment and retail, which naturally leads to higher levels of reported incidents than the surrounding countryside. For residents and businesses, Telford offers a dynamic urban environment with a safety profile that remains competitive with other major UK regional towns. It provides a secure setting for both families and commercial enterprises.

With a property crime rate of 30.3 per 1,000 people, Telford is relatively safe for a major town, but the prevalence of shoplifting and other theft—together accounting for over 16% 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, 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.