Wolverhampton Crime Rate

Wolverhampton, a major city in the West Midlands, has an overall crime rate of 101.6 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7. However, the city maintains a strong safety score of 74/100, significantly outperforming the national average of 50. The most encouraging data point is the recent trend, which shows a substantial 12.2% decrease in crime year-over-year based on data from December 2024 to November 2025. With a population of over 281,000, Wolverhampton's statistics reflect its status as a busy urban hub. This analysis provides a detailed look at the local crime data to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape and the types of offences most common in the city.

About Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton is a major city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, with a rich industrial history and a diverse urban population. As a significant regional centre, it features a bustling city centre with extensive retail offerings, including the Mander and Wulfrun centres, and a vibrant nightlife economy. The presence of the University of Wolverhampton also brings a large student population to the area, contributing to its dynamic but transient demographic.

The city's crime statistics are influenced by its dense urban environment and its role as a transport hub with major rail and road connections. Economically, while Wolverhampton has seen significant regeneration, it faces challenges related to social deprivation in certain areas, which can influence crime rates. The combination of high-footfall commercial areas and a large evening economy naturally leads to higher reported figures for offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Understanding these urban characteristics is essential for contextualising the local crime rate and safety score relative to more rural or suburban local authorities.

Crime in Wolverhampton

In Wolverhampton, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.4% of all reports with 12,128 incidents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 11.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.8%. These figures reflect the challenges faced by a major urban centre, where personal offences and retail-related crimes are prominent.

Property crime is a significant concern for residents and business owners, with a rate of 39.5 per 1,000 people. This includes 3,254 shoplifting offences, 2,240 incidents of criminal damage and arson, and 2,204 vehicle crimes. Burglary accounts for 3.4% of the total crime, with 981 reports. While the overall crime rate is slightly above the UK average, the property crime rate is also notably higher than the national average of 32.3. For homeowners, this indicates that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the cumulative risk of theft, damage, or vehicle crime is a daily reality. Robust security measures are essential in such an environment to protect assets and provide peace of mind in a busy city setting.

Crime Trends in Wolverhampton

The crime trend in Wolverhampton is currently on a positive trajectory, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 12.2%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable crime rate per 1,000 residents throughout the year. The year began with a rate of 8.3 in December and January, followed by a low of 7.3 in February.

Activity picked up slightly in the spring and summer, with the rate peaking at 9.2 in July 2025. However, it remained consistently below the 10.0 mark for the entire year, ending at 7.8 in November. This steady decline and the absence of major spikes suggest that crime in the city is being effectively managed. For residents, this downward trend is reassuring and indicates that the city is becoming safer over time. Continued community vigilance and the use of robust security measures can help sustain this positive direction and further improve the safety of Wolverhampton for all its residents.

When comparing Wolverhampton to its nearby local authorities, the difference in reported crime is notable. Neighbouring areas such as Walsall, South Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Cannock Chase, and Birmingham all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the latest data period. While this may reflect differences in reporting or lower population density in some cases, it highlights Wolverhampton's position as a primary urban centre for the region. For those considering the wider West Midlands area, Wolverhampton offers the amenities of a major city, but with the higher crime rate typical of such environments compared to its more suburban neighbours. In contrast, the surrounding areas provide a quieter alternative for residents.

In an urban environment like Wolverhampton, where the property crime rate is 39.5 per 1,000, protecting your home requires a proactive strategy. Most traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY cameras, are reactive—they only provide footage after a crime has been committed. While this might help with a police report, it does nothing to prevent the trauma and loss associated with a break-in or theft.

A more effective approach is proactive protection using AI-powered systems like scOS. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect a threat before it reaches your door. Whether it's spotting unusual behaviour or identifying a potential risk, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio alerts, deterring the criminal instantly. In a city where vehicle crime and shoplifting are common, protecting your home with a system that prioritises prevention over recording is the most robust way to ensure your property remains secure. By stopping a threat before it crosses your threshold, you are taking a significant step towards long-term personal and property safety.

How To Keep Safe in Wolverhampton

The most common crime in Wolverhampton is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.4% of all reports. As a major urban centre, personal safety is a key consideration for everyone in the area.

To stay safe, it is advisable to stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially when walking at night. If you are enjoying the city's nightlife, plan your journey home in advance and try to travel with others where possible. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can also significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Regarding property, the high rate of shoplifting and vehicle crime indicates that opportunistic theft is a persistent risk. Always secure your home and vehicle, and never leave valuables on display in parked cars. If you live in a high-traffic area, consider installing a visible and professional security system to act as a deterrent. Engaging with local community safety initiatives or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can also help you stay informed about local activity and build a more secure environment for everyone.