Longbridge has emerged as Birmingham's new hotspot for antisocial behaviour (ASB), according to the latest crime data analysed by BirminghamLive. In the 12 months to May, West Midlands Police recorded 280 ASB offences in Longbridge, the highest of any area in the city. This surpasses Aston, which recorded 239 offences, and Small Heath and Highgate with 230.
What Counts as Antisocial Behaviour?
ASB encompasses a range of incidents, from minor nuisances to more serious and persistent problems. Common examples include rowdy or intimidating behaviour, groups of youths shouting in the street or congregating late at night near residential areas, shops, takeaways, or pubs. Revving engines late into the night and harassment also fall under this category.
While a single incident may seem trivial, ongoing unruly or threatening behaviour can cause significant anxiety for residents who should feel safe in their own homes. Thousands of ASB offences were reported to West Midlands Police during the 12-month period, though many incidents go unreported as some people choose to suffer in silence out of fear.
Full List of ASB Offences by Area (12 Months to May)
The data reveals a stark variation across Birmingham's neighbourhoods. Below is the complete list of recorded ASB offences for each area:
- Acocks Green: 176
- Aston: 239
- Bartley Green: 176
- Billesley: 160
- Bordesley Green: 132
- Bournville: 157
- Brandwood: 151
- Chelmsley Wood: 129
- Edgbaston: 144
- Erdington: 174
- Hall Green: 67
- Handsworth Wood: 106
- Harborne: 114
- Hodge Hill: 180
- Jewellery Quarter: 113
- Kings Norton: 152
- Kingstanding: 126
- Ladywood: 205
- Longbridge: 280
- Lozells and East Handsworth: 187
- Moseley and Kings Heath: 152
- Nechells: 80
- Northfield: 185
- Oscott: 98
- Perry Barr: 118
- Quinton: 113
- Selly Oak: 155
- Shard End: 176
- Sheldon: 163
- Small Heath and Highgate: 230
- Smith's Wood: 129
- Soho Road: 121
- South Yardley: 188
- Sparkbrook: 153
- Springfield: 105
- Stechford and Yardley North: 167
- Stockland Green: 139
- Sutton Four Oaks: 50
- Sutton New Hall: 68
- Sutton Trinity: 201
- Sutton Vesey: 95
- Tyburn: 140
- Washwood Heath: 143
- Weoley: 125
- Winson Green: 131
Longbridge's Rise to the Top
Although overall ASB offences in Longbridge have decreased compared to the 12 months to February, the area was previously behind Aston and Small Heath and Highgate. The latest figures suggest ongoing issues that require attention. The data highlights that ASB is not evenly distributed, with some areas experiencing far higher rates than others. For instance, Sutton Four Oaks recorded only 50 offences, the lowest in the city, while Longbridge had more than five times that number.
Residents in affected areas are urged to report incidents to the police, as underreporting can mask the true scale of the problem. West Midlands Police continue to work with local communities to address ASB and improve safety.
