A review of 12 months of figures to December, compiled from West Midlands Police records, shows that no part of the city is completely untouched by crime whether in densely populated inner-city districts or quieter, more affluent suburbs.
A Citywide Pattern
The data reveals a clear trend: violent and sexual offences (VSO) consistently top the list in every policing area.
This broad category covers serious crimes such as murder, rape, shootings and stabbings, as well as domestic violence, assault and street fights.
Other frequently reported offences across the city include:
- Vehicle crime
- Criminal damage and arson
- Antisocial behaviour (ASB)
- Shoplifting
Birmingham’s Crime Hotspots
The highest overall crime volumes were recorded in:
- Lozells and East Handsworth – VSO 2,349
- Aston – VSO 2,311
- South Yardley – VSO 2,007
- Stockland Green – VSO 1,954
- Sparkbrook – VSO 1,848
Lozells and East Handsworth, along with Aston, remain the city’s crime capitals based on reported volumes.
Areas with Lower Crime Rates
At the other end of the scale, parts of Sutton Coldfield recorded the lowest figures, particularly:
- Sutton Four Oaks – VSO 347
- Sutton New Hall – VSO 478
- Sutton Vesey – VSO 524
While crime still occurs in these areas, volumes are significantly lower compared with inner-city wards.
Notable Neighbourhood Trends
Some areas stand out for particular crime patterns:
- Selly Oak recorded 812 shoplifting offences, one of the highest retail-related figures in the city.
- Edgbaston saw 552 shoplifting cases and 509 vehicle crimes.
- Small Heath and Highgate reported 485 vehicle crimes and 403 antisocial behaviour incidents.
- Shard End logged 356 criminal damage and arson offences.
Even traditionally quieter areas such as Harborne and Bournville reported over 900 violent and sexual offences across the 12-month period.
What the Data Means
While certain neighbourhoods experience significantly higher crime volumes, the figures show that offending is not confined to one part of the city.
Hyperlocal breakdowns allow residents to better understand the main issues affecting their own streets — whether that is antisocial behaviour, theft, or vehicle-related crime.
Police stress that crime data reflects reported incidents and that ongoing patrols and targeted operations continue across the city.
