Darlaston Crime Rate

Darlaston currently records an overall crime rate of 105.7 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK national average of 93.1. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 73/100, suggesting a level of security that is better than many comparable urban centres. The most encouraging data point is the trend direction, with a significant 14.7% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that Darlaston is becoming safer. By examining the types of crime and their timing, residents can better understand the local risks and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their property.

In Darlaston, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 43.1% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.6% and anti-social behaviour at 7.9%. These figures suggest that personal safety and the protection of property from vandalism are major concerns for the local community.

The property crime rate in Darlaston is 38.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.9. This includes vehicle crime (7.7%), other theft (7.6%), and burglary (3.4%). The relatively high rates of criminal damage and vehicle crime indicate that both homes and cars are frequently targeted. For residents, the high percentage of 'other' crimes in the evening also points toward a need for heightened awareness during the later hours. Homeowners should be aware that property-related offences are a significant part of the local crime profile, requiring proactive security measures to deter potential offenders.

Darlaston has experienced a significant 14.7% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data reveals that the crime rate was at its lowest in January 2025 (6.8 per 1,000 people). The rate peaked in July 2025 at 10.3, followed by a relatively stable period through the autumn. The year ended with a rate of 9.3 in October, which is consistent with the levels seen in the spring. This overall downward trend is a positive indicator for the area's safety.

How To Keep Safe in Darlaston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Darlaston. To enhance your personal safety, consider the following advice:

1. Stick to well-lit, busy streets when walking at night, especially around the town centre and local parks.
2. Be vigilant when using public transport after dark; wait for buses or taxis in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage.
3. If you are socialising in local venues, always keep your belongings in sight and never leave drinks unattended.
4. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or suspicious loitering to the local police, as this can often be a precursor to more serious offences.
5. Ensure your home is secure by using motion-activated lighting, which is particularly effective against criminal damage, the second most common crime in the area.

The timing of crime in Darlaston shows clear trends throughout the day. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft, which peaks at 45% of incidents in the afternoon, likely coinciding with retail activity. During the evening, 'other' crimes, including public order offences, rise to 54% of the total. Overnight, the risk shifts dramatically to vehicle crime, which accounts for 47% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. Burglary also peaks during the afternoon (15%) and night (14%), suggesting that homes are targeted both when residents are at work and while they sleep. This data highlights the need for constant vigilance, with a specific focus on vehicle security during the night.

When compared to nearby areas, Darlaston's crime rate of 105.7 per 1,000 people is very similar to Willenhall (107.6) and slightly higher than Tipton (94.0). However, it is significantly safer than the central Walsall urban area (139.2) and Bilston in neighbouring Wolverhampton (131.6), both of which report much higher crime intensities. Conversely, Darlaston is notably less safe than Wednesbury (135.6) in terms of overall crime volume, although the rates are relatively close. This data shows that Darlaston is typical of the urban industrial areas within the Black Country.

With a property crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000 people and criminal damage being a top-three crime type, Darlaston residents need security that does more than just record events. Traditional CCTV cameras often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which is of limited comfort to a homeowner facing repair costs from vandalism or theft.

Proactive protection through scOS changes this dynamic. By using AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can detect an intruder or a suspicious individual before they even reach your door. The system doesn't just watch; it responds autonomously by engaging lights and speakers to deter the threat. In Darlaston, where vehicle crime is also a significant factor, scOS's ability to recognise routines and detect unusual activity overnight is invaluable. It moves your home security from a simple recording device to an intelligent, autonomous shield that prevents crime before it can impact your family. Investing in prevention is the most effective way to lower your personal risk in this environment.