Willenhall Crime Rate

Willenhall, an urban settlement situated within the Walsall local authority, has a current overall crime rate of 108.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits above the UK national average of 91.6, which is common for areas of this urban density. Despite the volume of incidents, Willenhall maintains a safety score of 74/100, indicating a relatively stable environment compared to many other UK towns. Most importantly, the area is seeing a significant positive trend, with crime decreasing by 10.5% year-over-year. This substantial reduction suggests that Willenhall is becoming safer for its nearly 50,000 residents. The following data provides a comprehensive look at crime types, when they occur, and how Willenhall compares to its neighbours, offering valuable context for those living or working in the area.

In Willenhall, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 36.3% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 39.2 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting follows as the second most frequent crime at 14.2%, with criminal damage and arson third at 10.8%. These figures indicate a high level of both personal offences and crimes affecting the local business community.

The overall property crime rate in Willenhall is particularly high at 49.6 per 1,000 people per year. This broad category includes shoplifting (15.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (10.5 per 1,000), and burglary (4.8 per 1,000). For residents and property owners, these statistics represent a significant risk. The vehicle crime rate is especially notable, suggesting that nearly 1 in 100 residents may experience car-related offences annually. The combination of high shoplifting and vehicle crime rates points to an environment where opportunistic theft is a major factor. Homeowners should be aware that while burglary is not the top crime, the general prevalence of property-related offences necessitates robust and proactive security measures to protect assets and maintain peace of mind.

Willenhall is experiencing a notable improvement in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 10.5% year-over-year. This downward trend is consistent and significant, suggesting that the area is becoming more secure over time. Monthly data from 2025 shows that while the crime rate fluctuated, it generally remained within a stable range.

The crime rate per 1,000 residents peaked in October at 9.8 and saw its lowest point in August at 7.5. The end of the year showed a decline, with December recording a rate of 8.2. This suggests that while there are seasonal variations—such as a dip in late summer and a slight rise in mid-autumn—the overall trajectory is positive. For residents, this 10.5% 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 number of offences across the area.

How To Keep Safe in Willenhall

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Willenhall, representing over 36% of all reports. While these statistics can be concerning, taking proactive steps can significantly enhance your personal safety when moving around the town.

When walking in Willenhall, especially during the evening, stick to well-frequented and well-lit routes. Avoid shortcuts through parks or alleyways that lack adequate lighting. It is also advisable to remain observant of your surroundings; if you feel you are being followed, head towards a busy public area such as a shop or a well-lit 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.

Given that shoplifting is also a top crime, businesses should ensure they have clear sightlines and robust security protocols. For residents, staying informed about local crime through neighbourhood watch groups can provide valuable updates on specific areas to avoid. By staying alert and choosing the safest paths, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering personal crime in the area.

The timing of criminal activity in Willenhall 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 roughly 30% of incidents. This coincides with peak business and retail hours. Interestingly, burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 21%, a time when many houses are left unattended during the workday.

As the evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, the 'Other' category—which includes public order offences—becomes the most frequent, accounting for 51% of reports. However, the most striking pattern occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 52% of all recorded offences. During these early morning hours, theft drops to just 4%. 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.

Willenhall's safety profile is best understood when compared to its immediate surroundings. Its crime rate of 108.0 per 1,000 is almost identical to Bloxwich (108.2) and slightly higher than Darlaston (105.3), suggesting a consistent safety landscape across these interconnected urban settlements. However, Willenhall is notably safer than the central Walsall area, where the rate climbs to 138.7. It also compares favourably to Bilston in nearby Wolverhampton, which records a higher rate of 128.1. For those seeking a quieter environment, Essington to the north offers a lower rate of 79.7. Overall, Willenhall represents a typical West Midlands urban area, offering a safer alternative to the larger metropolitan hubs while experiencing more crime than the smaller, outlying villages.

Willenhall faces a particularly high property crime rate of 49.6 per 1,000 residents, making property protection a top priority for local homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or DIY cameras, are often reactive; they notify you or record footage only after an intruder has already gained access or caused damage. In an area where vehicle crime and shoplifting are prevalent, 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 high-intensity lighting or audible alerts—to deter criminals in real-time. For Willenhall residents, especially given the 10.5 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 burglars and vandals move on before they even attempt a break-in.