Newly released police data has exposed the Birmingham areas suffering the highest levels of vehicle crime, with the city centre emerging as the primary hotspot.
City Centre Tops the List for Vehicle Offences
According to official statistics published on police.uk, covering crime data from West Midlands Police, Birmingham city centre recorded a staggering 623 vehicle crimes over the past 12 months. This equates to an average of approximately 50 incidents every single month, a figure that underscores the significant risk to drivers in the area.
While the high footfall in the city centre may partly explain the volume of crime, the data reveals that quieter residential districts are also severely affected. Edgbaston ranked second with 521 offences, closely followed by Small Heath & Highgate with 510 incidents.
Surprising Hotspots and the Full Area Breakdown
Other areas with alarmingly high numbers include Smith's Wood with 493 crimes and Ladywood with 424. The term 'vehicle crime' encompasses a wide range of offences, from the theft of the entire vehicle or its parts to attempted theft, unauthorised taking, and criminal damage.
The comprehensive data provides a full ranking for every area in Birmingham over the last year. Below is the complete list of areas and their corresponding crime figures:
- Acocks Green: 242
- Aston: 302
- Bartley Green: 260
- Billesley: 233
- Birmingham Airport: 102
- Bordesley Green: 237
- Bournville: 271
- Chelmsley Wood: 183
- Erdington: 174
- Hall Green: 221
- Handsworth Wood: 245
- Harborne: 289
- Hodge Hill: 227
- Jewellery Quarter: 301
- Kings Norton: 224
- Kingstanding: 180
- Longbridge: 245
- Lozells and East Handsworth: 287
- Moseley and Kings Heath: 287
- Nechells: 286
- Northfield: 251
- Oscott: 167
- Perry Barr: 202
- Quinton: 206
- Selly Oak: 288
- Shard End: 391
- Sheldon: 248
- Soho Road: 165
- South Yardley: 396
- Sparkbrook: 310
- Springfield: 218
- Stechford and Yardley North: 354
- Stockland Green: 244
- Tyburn: 231
- Washwood Heath: 233
- Weoley: 269
- Winson Green: 277
What This Means for Birmingham Residents
This detailed breakdown provides a clear picture of vehicle crime across the city, highlighting that the issue is not confined to the bustling commercial core but is a widespread concern affecting many neighbourhoods. The data serves as a crucial tool for residents to assess local risks and for authorities to target crime prevention resources effectively.
The publication of these figures has prompted calls for increased vigilance and improved security measures for vehicle owners throughout Birmingham.
