Brownhills Crime Rate

Brownhills, an urban settlement within the Walsall local authority, has a current overall crime rate of 98.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.6, typical for a town of its size and density. Despite this, Brownhills maintains a safety score of 76/100, which reflects a relatively secure environment for its population of over 20,000. Most notably, the area is experiencing a significant positive trend, with crime decreasing by 13.7% year-over-year. This substantial reduction suggests that Brownhills is becoming progressively safer. The following data explores the specific types of crime prevalent in the area, the times when they are most likely to occur, and how Brownhills compares to its immediate neighbours.

In Brownhills, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.0% of all reports, occurring at a rate of 36.5 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 14.2%, followed closely by vehicle crime at 10.4%. These three categories represent the primary safety challenges in the settlement.

The overall property crime rate in Brownhills is 44.9 per 1,000 people per year. This is a significant figure that includes shoplifting (14.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (10.2 per 1,000), and burglary (4.3 per 1,000). For residents, the high combined rate of property-related offences means that nearly 4.5% of the population may be affected by theft or damage annually. The prevalence of vehicle crime is particularly noteworthy, suggesting that car security is a major concern for the local community. While burglary rates are lower than some other urban areas, the general volume of property crime indicates that opportunistic theft is common. Homeowners and vehicle owners should prioritise high-quality security measures to mitigate these risks and protect their assets from the high level of theft-related activity in the area.

Brownhills is currently seeing a significant improvement in its safety landscape, with total crime decreasing by 13.7% year-over-year. This substantial reduction is a strong indicator that the area is becoming safer for its residents. Monthly data from 2025 shows that while the crime rate fluctuated, it generally trended downwards toward the end of the year.

The crime rate per 1,000 residents peaked in April at 9.9 and reached its lowest point in February at 6.1. The final months of the year remained relatively stable, with December recording a rate of 7.3. This suggests that while there are seasonal peaks—such as a rise in early spring—the overall trajectory is consistently positive. For residents, this 13.7% decrease is a very encouraging statistic, reflecting the success of local community safety efforts and policing. It indicates a sustained reduction in the total volume of offences across the settlement, making Brownhills a progressively more secure place to live and work.

How To Keep Safe in Brownhills

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Brownhills, accounting for 37.0% of total incidents. While many of these reports may involve domestic or known-party situations, it is essential for residents to remain aware of their personal safety in public.

When moving around Brownhills, particularly during the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and use main roads that are frequently travelled. If you are walking alone, avoid using headphones as they can reduce your awareness of your surroundings. It is also a good idea to let someone know your expected arrival time if you are out late. For businesses, the high shoplifting rate suggests that clear visibility and active monitoring are crucial for deterring theft.

Additionally, trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in a particular location, move to a busier, well-lit area immediately. Carrying a personal safety alarm can provide peace of mind and a way to quickly attract attention if needed. By staying vigilant and choosing the safest routes, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering personal crime in the area.

Criminal activity in Brownhills follows distinct time-based patterns that are important for residents to understand. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, making up about 30% of incidents. This is largely driven by retail activity in the town. Notably, burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 20%, a common occurrence when residents are away at work.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), the 'Other' category—which includes public order and anti-social behaviour—rises to 49% of all reports. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, accounting for 56% of all recorded offences. During these early morning hours, theft drops significantly to just 5%. These insights suggest that while personal safety and shoplifting are daytime concerns, the security of vehicles and the home is most at risk during the night. Residents are encouraged to ensure all property is securely locked and monitored during these high-risk hours.

Brownhills occupies a favourable position when compared to other urban settlements in the Walsall region. Its crime rate of 98.4 per 1,000 is notably lower than that of Bloxwich (108.2) and Willenhall (108.0), making it one of the safer urban options in the area. However, it does experience more crime than smaller, more residential neighbours such as Pelsall (70.3) and Clayhanger (58.9). For those looking at the wider region, Brownhills is significantly safer than the central Walsall hub (138.7). Interestingly, nearby Stonnall (36.6) and Hammerwich (0.0) offer much lower rates, though these are much smaller, rural communities. Overall, Brownhills offers a balanced safety profile, providing urban amenities with a lower crime risk than the larger metropolitan centres nearby.

Brownhills has a property crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 residents, which highlights a significant need for effective home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are inherently reactive. They are designed to alert you or record footage after an incident has already begun, often leaving homeowners with nothing but a video of their loss. In an area where vehicle crime (10.2 per 1,000) and shoplifting are top concerns, reactive systems are often a step behind the criminals.

The scOS AI-powered operating system provides a proactive alternative that focuses on prevention. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying suspicious activity at the boundary before a break-in occurs. The system can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or audible warnings, to deter intruders before they can cause damage. For Brownhills residents, scOS's ability to learn routines and verify vehicles ensures that you are only alerted to genuine threats. Investing in proactive protection means your security system works to stop a crime in those first 60 seconds, ensuring your home remains secure rather than just recorded.