Dudley Safety Survey Reveals Less Than Half Feel Safe in Borough
A recent survey conducted by Dudley Council has uncovered that less than half of respondents feel the borough is a safe place to live. The findings, which will be presented to the Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee on March 18, show that only 49 percent of people feel safe, despite Dudley having the lowest crime rate in the West Midlands Police area over the past 12 months.
Survey Details and Key Findings
The survey, part of the Safe and Sound community safety partnership, received a record 843 responses for the 2024/25 period, an increase of 140 from the previous year. Of these respondents, 48 percent felt Dudley was a safe place to live, while just 39 percent felt safe when out and about in the area.
The top three issues identified were antisocial behaviour (ASB), dangerous driving, and domestic burglary. Analysis indicates that while residents may not be overly concerned about their immediate neighbourhoods, there are specific areas where they feel particularly unsafe.
Perception Versus Reality in Crime Statistics
Despite the negative perception of safety, official data confirms that Dudley boasts the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people in the West Midlands. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap between public feeling and actual crime figures, suggesting that fear of crime may be influenced by factors beyond statistical rates.
Additionally, the survey included questions on community cohesion. Out of 837 responses, 68 percent said people from different backgrounds get on 'well' or 'very well' in their local area, though this represents an 11 percent decrease from the previous year.
Council Response and New Antisocial Behaviour Policy
In response to these concerns, Dudley Council is implementing a tough new antisocial behaviour policy, set for approval by the cabinet on March 25. The policy will feature several key initiatives:
- Rollout of community champions to identify and report ASB incidents.
- Out-of-hours teams providing seven-day coverage.
- Use of mobile units and drones for monitoring ASB.
- A new case management system to streamline responses.
Funding for this policy will come from already approved council budgets. In the 2024/25 financial year, the council saved £476,000 in ASB services and forecasts savings of £365,000 for 2025/26.
Official Statements and Future Actions
Kathryn Jones, Dudley's director of housing and assets, emphasized in the report that the council is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to proven antisocial behaviour. She stated, "Whilst the need to evidence the ASB will still take time in some cases, residents can expect to see firm and proportionate action in such cases."
The current survey remains open until March 31 on the council's website, allowing residents to continue sharing their views on safety and community issues in Dudley.
