Wyre Forest Crime Rate

Wyre Forest Crime Overview

Wyre Forest presents a stable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 91.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is almost identical to the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 79/100, which is marginally better than the national average of 78. The district, which includes the towns of Kidderminster, Stourport-on-Severn, and Bewdley, has seen a stable crime trend with a very minor 0.4% increase over the past year. This consistency suggests that while crime volume is present, it is not experiencing a significant upward trajectory. The local statistics are primarily driven by violence and anti-social behaviour, which are common in urban centres. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and business owners understand and manage their local safety environment effectively.

About Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is a local authority district in Worcestershire, named after the ancient forest that covers much of its area. The district is anchored by the industrial towns of Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn, and the historic town of Bewdley. Its economy has a strong manufacturing heritage, particularly in carpet weaving, and today it is a mix of manufacturing, service industries, and tourism. Its strategic location, with good links to the West Midlands conurbation, makes it a popular location for commuters. However, this connectivity also makes the area accessible for transient criminal activity.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density in the main towns and its role as a regional hub for shopping and tourism. The town centres, particularly Kidderminster, attract many visitors, which contributes to higher reports of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Economically, Wyre Forest is a diverse district with a mix of industrial towns and quiet rural villages. It benefits from a strong sense of community and a clear commitment to local improvement, as evidenced by its solid safety score. The local economy is driven by manufacturing, retail, and tourism, all of which benefit from the area's reputation for being a stable and safe place to live and work.

Crime Breakdown in Wyre Forest

In Wyre Forest, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 35.5% of all incidents with 3,387 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.7%, followed by shoplifting at 8.4%. For those focused on property protection, the overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 31.4 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Criminal damage and arson are also significant factors, with 784 incidents reported annually (8.2% of total crime). While burglary represents 4.2% of total crime (402 incidents), the combined volume of criminal damage and other theft suggests that property security is a key priority for the local community. The data indicates that while personal safety is the primary statistical focus, the risk of opportunistic property crime is a persistent reality for residents and business owners in the district.

Crime Trends in Wyre Forest

The crime trend in Wyre Forest is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 0.4%. Analysis of the monthly data reveals a fairly consistent level of activity throughout the year, with crime rates per 1,000 residents typically ranging from 6.4 to 9.5. A notable peak was observed in July 2025 (9.5), which is a common seasonal pattern where activity increases during the summer months.

The year ended with a slight decrease, as October 2025 recorded a rate of 7.4 per 1,000. These small fluctuations suggest that while there has been a minor increase in reported crime, the overall safety of the area remains consistent. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the district is not experiencing any significant or alarming spikes in criminal activity and that safety levels are being maintained effectively across the various communities within the local authority.

Regional Safety Context

In the context of Worcestershire and the West Midlands, Wyre Forest serves as an important urban and industrial hub. Its crime rate of 91.8 per 1,000 is higher than the statistical 0.0 reported for neighbouring areas like Dudley, Bromsgrove, Sandwell, Worcester, Redditch, and Wolverhampton in this specific dataset. This is often typical of districts with major towns that act as regional centres for shopping and services, which naturally centralises crime reports. However, with a safety score of 79/100, Wyre Forest remains a safe choice compared to many other urban areas in the region. It offers a balanced environment where the activity of its towns is matched by a generally secure and well-managed residential atmosphere.

Proactive Security for Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest has a property crime rate of 31.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the national average. Criminal damage and shoplifting are significant contributors to local statistics, often targeting properties in the district's towns and more isolated rural areas. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after an intruder has already entered your property or damaged your home, providing little more than footage for a police report.

scOS offers a proactive alternative that is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using advanced AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, and its multi-camera intelligence can identify suspicious activity across your entire property. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes the intruder to move on before they ever attempt a break-in. For Wyre Forest residents, this proactive approach offers true peace of mind, ensuring that your security system is an active guardian that stops threats rather than just a passive recorder of your property losses. This professional-grade security is essential for maintaining the safety standards expected in the district.

How To Keep Safe in Wyre Forest

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Wyre Forest, accounting for 35.5% of reports. Residents are encouraged to follow these practical safety tips to enhance their personal and property security.

1. Town Centre Awareness: When in busy towns like Kidderminster or Stourport, stay mindful of your surroundings, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid isolated shortcuts.
2. Secure Your Outbuildings: With other theft and criminal damage being notable factors, ensure that sheds, garages, and outbuildings are secured with high-quality locks. This is especially important for properties in more rural or semi-rural areas.
3. Property Marking: Use forensic marking kits for valuable garden machinery, tools, and bicycles. This acts as a deterrent and makes it much easier for police to return stolen items if they are recovered.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively to the affected neighbourhoods.
5. Community Engagement: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or social media safety groups. Staying informed about recent activity in your specific area is one of the best ways to stay ahead of opportunistic crime.