Darlaston Crime Rate

Darlaston, an urban settlement within the Walsall local authority, currently records an overall crime rate of 105.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the UK national average of 91.6, which is typical for an area of its urban density. Despite this, Darlaston maintains a safety score of 72/100, indicating a relatively stable environment compared to other similar UK towns. Most importantly, the area is experiencing a significant positive trend, with crime decreasing by 12.9% year-over-year. This substantial reduction suggests that Darlaston is becoming safer for its nearly 20,000 residents. The following data provides a detailed look at crime types, when they are most likely to occur, and how Darlaston compares to its neighbours, offering valuable context for the local community.

In Darlaston, the crime landscape is primarily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.0% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 46.3 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime at 9.4%, followed by vehicle crime at 8.2%. These figures point to a high concentration of personal offences and damage-related incidents.

The overall property crime rate in Darlaston is 38.8 per 1,000 people per year. This broad category includes criminal damage, vehicle crime (8.6 per 1,000), other theft (7.7 per 1,000), and burglary (3.9 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics represent a notable risk, particularly regarding the high rate of criminal damage and vehicle-related offences. While burglary is less frequent than in some neighbouring urban areas, the cumulative impact of property-related crime is significant. Nearly 4 in every 100 residents may experience some form of property crime annually. This environment necessitates a proactive approach to security, focusing on protecting both the home and vehicles from opportunistic theft and vandalism, which are prevalent in the local area.

Darlaston is experiencing a significant improvement in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 12.9% year-over-year. This substantial downward trend is a very positive indicator for the community, suggesting that the area is becoming more secure over time. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, but generally trended downwards towards the end of the year.

The crime rate peaked in July at 10.3 and saw its lowest point in January at 6.8. The latter half of the year showed a steady decline from the summer peak, with December recording a rate of 8.7. This suggests that while there are seasonal variations—such as a rise during the summer months—the overall trajectory is positive. For residents, this 12.9% decrease is a reassuring statistic that reflects a broader trend of declining crime in the settlement. It indicates that community safety efforts and policing are having a measurable impact on reducing the total volume of offences across Darlaston.

How To Keep Safe in Darlaston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Darlaston, representing 44.0% of all reported incidents. While these statistics can be concerning, residents can take several proactive steps to enhance their personal safety when moving around the town.

When walking in Darlaston, especially during the evening, stick to well-frequented and well-lit routes. Avoid shortcuts through alleyways or parks that lack adequate lighting. It is also advisable to remain observant of your surroundings; if you feel uncomfortable, head towards a busy public area like a shop or a petrol station. Carrying a personal safety alarm is a simple and effective way to feel more secure and can act as a powerful deterrent if you feel threatened.

Additionally, trust your instincts; if a situation or location feels wrong, leave immediately. For businesses, the shoplifting rate suggests that clear sightlines and active monitoring are crucial for deterring theft. By staying alert and choosing the safest paths, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering personal crime in the area. Community awareness and looking out for neighbours also play a vital role in keeping Darlaston safe.

The timing of criminal activity in Darlaston follows specific urban cycles that residents should be aware of. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are prominent, making up between 38% and 44% of incidents. This coincides with peak business and retail hours. Interestingly, burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 16%, a time when many houses are left unattended during the workday.

As the evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the 'Other' category—which includes public order and anti-social behaviour—becomes the most frequent, accounting for 52% of reports. However, the most striking pattern occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 49% of all recorded offences. During these early morning hours, theft drops significantly to just 7%. This data highlights that while personal safety and retail theft are daytime concerns, the security of vehicles and homes becomes the primary risk under the cover of darkness. Residents are strongly advised to secure their cars and properties most rigorously between midnight and dawn.

Darlaston's safety profile is best understood in the context of its immediate surroundings. Its crime rate of 105.3 per 1,000 is slightly lower than neighbouring Willenhall (108.0) and Bloxwich (108.2), suggesting a consistent but slightly safer environment than its closest urban peers. It is significantly safer than the larger hub of Walsall, which records a much higher rate of 138.7, and Bilston in nearby Wolverhampton at 128.1. Interestingly, it also compares favourably to Wednesbury (135.1), though it has a higher rate than Tipton (94.2). For those considering the region, Darlaston offers an urban setting with a manageable safety profile that is currently showing strong signs of improvement, making it a safer alternative to the larger metropolitan centres nearby.

With a property crime rate of 38.8 per 1,000 residents in Darlaston, effective home security is a priority for many homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or DIY cameras, are often reactive; they only alert you or record footage after an intruder has already attempted a break-in or caused damage. In an area where vehicle crime and criminal damage are notable factors, these reactive systems often fail to prevent the loss.

The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter 24/7, identifying suspicious patterns and threats at the boundary. Instead of just providing footage of a theft, scOS can trigger an autonomous response—such as activating lighting or audible alerts—to deter criminals in real-time. For Darlaston residents, especially given the 8.6 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate, features like DVLA vehicle verification can help identify unauthorised cars near your property. Choosing scOS means moving beyond simple recording to a system that actively defends your home, ensuring that intruders move on before they even attempt a break-in.