Walsall Crime Rate

Walsall presents a typical industrial metropolitan safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 99.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.7, reflecting the borough's urban density and commercial activity. Despite this, Walsall maintains a safety score of 75/100, indicating a respectable level of security for its 295,678 residents. Most encouragingly, the area has seen a significant 10.1% decrease in crime year-over-year, suggesting a strong positive trend for local safety. This downward trajectory indicates that security initiatives are having a tangible impact. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and comparative data to help residents understand the local safety landscape.

Walsall is a major metropolitan borough in the West Midlands with a diverse industrial and urban character that significantly influences its crime statistics. Historically known for its leather industry and metalworking, the area features a mix of dense urban town centres, industrial estates, and suburban residential neighbourhoods. Major employers in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare drive a busy daytime economy, while the presence of the Manor Hospital and several large retail parks attracts a high volume of visitors. The borough is a key transport hub, intersected by the M6 motorway and well-connected by rail and bus networks, which facilitates a high degree of movement. These factors, combined with high population density and areas of socio-economic challenge, create a complex environment for public safety. Busy high streets and a range of nightlife spots also contribute to the local activity levels. Understanding these urban dynamics is essential for interpreting Walsall's overall crime rate and safety score.

In Walsall, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 11,432 incidents or 38.7% of the total recorded crime. This is followed by shoplifting at 11.9% and criminal damage and arson at 8.8%. These figures highlight that personal safety and the protection of business and residential assets are the most significant concerns for those living and working in the borough.

Property crime in Walsall, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage, arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, has a combined rate of 41.7 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average, reflecting the borough's urbanised nature. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent (11.9%), followed by criminal damage and arson (8.8%) and vehicle crime (8.2%). Burglary accounts for 4.3% of total crime. For residents and homeowners, this means that protecting assets—particularly in retail environments and residential properties—is a critical priority. The high volume of theft and damage-related offences suggests that opportunistic criminals are active across the borough's diverse neighbourhoods.

The crime trend in Walsall is positive, with a significant 10.1% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a consistent level of activity, with the crime rate peaking in October 2025 at 8.8 per 1,000 and November and May at 8.7. Other high-activity months included June, July, and March, all recording rates of 8.5 or above. The lowest activity was recorded in February 2025 (7.3) and January (7.9). This steady pattern, with a clear downward annual trajectory, suggests that Walsall's safety environment is improving and becoming more predictable. This stability allows residents and local authorities to better target long-term security improvements and maintain the current positive momentum.

In the regional context of the West Midlands, Walsall is a significant metropolitan hub with a crime rate of 99.9 per 1,000 people. While nearby areas like Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Cannock Chase, Birmingham, Dudley, and South Staffordshire all recorded 0.0 crimes in this specific comparative dataset, Walsall stands out as a focal point for regional activity. This suggests that for those considering the area, Walsall offers a bustling, industrial-urban experience with a corresponding level of criminal activity that is typical of a major metropolitan borough. Understanding this regional context is vital for assessing the relative safety of the area, which is currently showing a strong improving trend.

Walsall's property crime rate of 41.7 per 1,000 people is a clear indicator that proactive home security is a necessity for residents. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY cameras, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime as it happens or after it has concluded. For homeowners in a high-activity area like Walsall, a more effective approach is to prevent the crime from occurring in the first place.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that offers proactive protection. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats—such as someone loitering near your vehicle or testing your windows—before they escalate. With autonomous responses like activating lights and audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that most burglars and car thieves rely on. This is especially valuable in Walsall, where shoplifting and criminal damage are significant issues. Professional-grade AI security provides a visible deterrent that encourages opportunistic criminals to move on to less protected properties, ensuring your home remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Walsall

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime types across the Walsall local authority area. To enhance your personal safety and contribute to a more secure community, consider the following advice:

1. When travelling through the borough, particularly at night, stick to well-lit main roads and use busy public transport hubs. Avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or industrial areas.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in busy commercial areas and retail parks. Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight to deter opportunistic theft and shoplifting-related incidents.
3. Secure your vehicle every time you leave it. Given the borough's rate of vehicle crime, parking in a garage or a well-lit, monitored area is highly recommended.
4. Reinforce your home security with high-quality locks and consider an AI-powered security system. Proactive detection is key to preventing residential burglary and criminal damage.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately. Community vigilance is essential for maintaining safety standards in a busy metropolitan environment.