Are you aware of the safety concerns in your area? From bustling cities like Birmingham to quaint towns like Grimsby, the Midlands has its share of crime hotspots. In this blog, we delve into the top 10 most dangerous areas in the Midlands, shedding light on crime rates and prevalent offenses. Whether you’re in West Bromwich, Walsall, or Wolverhampton, understanding the security landscape is crucial. Join us as we explore the statistics and factors contributing to crime in these regions. Stay informed and proactive with Titanium Security Services, your trusted partner in safeguarding businesses and communities across the Midlands.
Most Dangerous areas in the Midlands
West Bromwich:
Often associated with either the building society or the football team, according on personal preferences, is a little town with an unfortunate moniker: it’s the most dangerous place in the Midlands.
West Bromwich population barely topped 80,000 at the latest census, but with 151 crimes committed per 1,000 people, it’s a place to be on guard at all times.
The town experiences more violent and sexual offenses than any other category of crime, with 5,600 unique instances reported to West Midlands police in 2021—a somber theme that unites our whole list.
As of this writing, West Bromwich’s crime rate is 98% higher than the national average for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, indicating that it is still a cause for concern based on available data from 2023.
Walsall:
The market town of Walsall, which is only nine miles from Birmingham, is well-known for its contributions to the Royal Family. King Charles’ leather goods, the late Queen’s handbags, and saddles for the family’s horses are all made in Walsall.
Despite its honorable past in manufacturing, Walsall has a rather dark history when it comes to crime; with 143 crimes committed per 1,000 residents, the town is ranked as the second most dangerous in the Midlands.
The most common crimes in the town are those involving violence and sexual assault, although burglaries are also a problem in Walsall; in the first 30 days of November 2021, West Midlands police reported 85 burglary-related offenses. As of right now, Walsall’s crime rate is startlingly 87% greater than the national average for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Birmingham:
Second-biggest city in the UK with a population of more than a million, is regarded as the cultural, social, economic, and financial hub of the Midlands. Birmingham is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers a wide range of activities, from association football to the arts, but it also has a high crime rate, as is unfortunately typical of big cities.
With 137 offenses recorded for every 1,000 Brummies, Birmingham is the second most dangerous metropolitan city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—17% more than the entire West Midlands.
2021 saw 78,062 reports of violent and sexual offenses, making these the most common crimes in the city. Arson and criminal damage are also major problems. December 2021 had 1,093 reported events, with the West Midlands experiencing the highest number of incidents during that month.
Grimsby:
Up until the middle of the 20th century, Grimsby, a port town in Lincolnshire, was home to the world’s greatest fishing fleet.
The people who call themselves “Grimbarians” are justifiably proud of their small town’s global importance, but they may not be as proud of its criminal history. Grimbarians commit 134 crimes per 1,000 residents, which not only places the town fourth in the Midlands but also alarmingly 78% more than all of Lincolnshire.
Although sexual offenses and violence predominate, burglaries are still an issue in Grimsby. A total of 59 burglary incidents were reported to the authorities in December 2021. Grimsby’s troubles don’t appear to be getting better anytime soon, either, since the port town’s crime rate is 75% higher than the national average for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, according to the most recent data.
Dudley:
Situated near Wolverhampton, Dudley was named the Black Country’s capital by the borough council in 2014. Dudley is a big market town that is known for being one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution, but it also happens to be the sixth most dangerous location to live in the West Midlands.
Out of all the major towns in the West Midlands, Dudley had the greatest crime rate for criminal damage and arson in November 2021, with 93 crimes reported. However, much like the other entries on our list, violence and sexual offences are the most common.
Up until now, Dudley’s crime rate has risen by an astounding 71% over the combined average for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Derby:
Derby, which the Romans first settled as Derventio, went on to become a leading industrial revolution hub and the hub of the British rail network.
A booming metropolis of industry and transportation, Derby outgrew its little Roman settlement, and its crime rate increased accordingly. With 122 incidents per 1,000 population, Derby’s crime rate is a full 50% greater than Derbyshire as a county.
In Derby in 2021, the most common crimes reported were sexual offenses and assault, totaling 15,599. Other prevalent crimes include burglaries, arson, and criminal damage, with 233 and 115 crimes per 1,000, respectively, recorded in December 2021.
Wolverhampton:
Situated in the center of the Black Country, Wolverhampton gained notoriety for its role in steel production, automobile and motorbike manufacturing, and coal mining. Even now, the city’s engineering prowess—which includes a substantial aerospace industry—supports its economy.
Nevertheless, despite Wolverhampton’s inventiveness, crime still has a strong hold on the city. In a city where sexual offenses and violent crime are the main causes of police call-outs, burglaries and, worrisomely, gun ownership are also commonplace offenses.
The crime rate in Wolverhampton as of 2023 is 34% higher than in the West Midlands and 56% higher than the total rate for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Lincoln:
When it comes to historic English settlements, Lincoln is among the oldest. Lincoln’s first settlement was dated to the Iron Age by archaeologists who found its remnants in 1972.
Lincoln is now more widely known for being the location of a cathedral from which a cunning imp guards the city, but it also has a high crime rate, ranking it as the seventh most dangerous city in the Midlands.
Despite the media’s focus on sexual assault and violence, Lincoln has a serious drug issue. Lincoln had the highest rate of drug-related crime in all of Lincolnshire as of October 2021, with 39 drug-related offenses recorded.
Nottingham:
Known for being associated with the adventures of the fabled Robin Hood, Nottingham is a city rich in old English history. The Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem is actually said to be the oldest pub in England; it was built partly under the network of caves under Nottingham Castle, and there are rumours that the first ales were served there as early as 1189.
Regretfully, Nottingham is also plagued by a criminal past. The city’s crime rate, which was 114 per 1,000 residents in 2021, is a staggering 49% greater than Nottinghamshire County’s.
Similar to Leicester, the most common offenses on the list are sexual and violent offenses, totaling 14,210 in 2021. Similar to Leicester, Nottingham too had a spike in bicycle theft that year, with 52 incidents being reported to the authorities. Ultimately, the two more reported offenses move it up to number nine on our list, just ahead of its East Midlands cousin.
Leicester:
Leicester, the largest town in the East Midlands, has many of the typical issues associated with major cities when it comes to crime. In fact, Leicester’s crime rate—112 per 1,000 people—is 44% greater than that of Leicestershire as a whole.
sexual offenses and violence rank among the most common; in 2021, local law enforcement received 20,440 reports of such occurrences. In addition to the extremely high number of bicycle thefts that occurred throughout Leicestershire county, the city itself saw 66 different instances of bike thefts in December of 2021.
Situated in the 10th most hazardous region of the Midlands, Leicester is a cathedral city with a thriving mixed population. Exercise caution when visiting.
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