Birmingham sits within the very heart of the West Midlands, with a vibrant and diverse culture that has made the city such a popular place for people to find a home and tourists to enjoy exploring. However, as with any major city in the UK, its popularity and size does make the city a bit of a breeding ground for criminal activity, with so many businesses, and vulnerable visitors to take advantage of.
If you’re wanting to take a visit to the city, or even set down some roots as a business or homeowner, there’s no need to panic – there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re staying safe and secure in the city. Keep reading for Taybar’s top safety tips to help you navigate Birmingham with confidence.
How Safe is Birmingham?
According to data from CrimeRate, Birmingham is the most dangerous city in the entirety of the West Midlands. In 2023, the overall crime rate for the city ranked in at 137 crimes per 1000 people, which comes in at 16% higher than the West Midlands’ rate of 118 crimes per 1000 people.
During the same year, Birmingham had the highest crime rate in the West Midlands for theft from the person, with 210 crimes reported in April alone. The most common crimes in the city are violence and sexual offences, with 63,690 crimes of this kind reported during 2023.
Safest Areas in Birmingham
The ward that ranks as the safest place in the whole of the city of Birmingham is Hall Green South, with a crime rate of just 78. Other areas that come up as safer spots include Stirchley, Perry Common, and Allens Cross.
Areas of Birmingham to Avoid
On the other end of the spectrum sits Ladywood, coming in with a crime rate of 154. Other areas to avoid in Birmingham are Bordesley & Highgate, Stockland Green, North Edgbaston.
Staying Safe Day-to-Day
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Whether you find yourself in Hall Green South or Ladywood , making sure you stay constantly aware of your surroundings is key. Walk with your head up, taking in the world around you, without any distractions such as your phone. Keep an eye on who’s around you, and if anyone seems suspicious or is making you feel unsafe, try to duck into the next shop, bar, or restaurant you see – bringing things into a more public space is the best way to avoid any altercations, and will also likely make the person move on and away from you.
Avoid Isolated Areas
Which brings us onto our next point – stick to public spaces and areas with a lot of people, rather than quieter residential areas or places with not a lot going on. Anywhere that’s well-lit and busy is going to be better than the more deserted streets, especially at night. Avoid shortcuts through parks or alleys – going the long way round is always worth your safety.
Keep Your Phone Hidden
Avoid walking along with your phone in your hand, or at all on show, if you want to be less of a target for passers-by. If you need to use your phone to check your route or call a friend, this is another time when it’s smart to find a bar or shop you can retreat to for extra protection.
Safety Tips For Specific Situations
On Public Transport
As with other major UK cities, Birmingham has its own complex transport system to navigate, complete with trains, buses, and trams. Again, you should avoid using your phone or other valuables while on public transport, but it’s also a smart move to plan your trip in advance so you know exactly where you need to be and when.
At Night
Is Birmingham safe at night? If you’re staying in public spaces and you’ve got a few friends around you, chances are you’ll be left alone, but walking alone anywhere at night should be avoided in most major cities in the UK, especially for young women. If you find yourself en route somewhere alone during the night time, call a friend – if you’re visibly on the phone, you’ll be less susceptible to attack.
Driving & Vehicle Safety
Especially if you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic, keep your doors locked and your windows up when you’re behind the wheel in Birmingham. Always park in well-lit areas, and avoid leaving any valuables on show when you leave your car.
Personal Safety Devices & Measures
Personal Alarm
This is a compact, portable alarm that you can carry around on your person – maybe in your pocket, or attached to a keychain. If you feel threatened, you can activate the alarm, alerting people nearby and also creating a distraction, giving you some time to escape.
Safety Apps
Nowadays, there are lots of apps you can use to enhance your safety – Hollie Guard and bSafe allow you to share your live location with friends and family, as well as set up emergency alerts and even share audio and video messages if you feel unsafe.
Seeking Safety Support in Birmingham
If you find yourself in an emergency, knowing who to contact is crucial to ensuring you get to safety as quickly as possible. Here are some key contacts for Birmingham:
- West Midlands Police. The Birmingham-local police force can be contacted on 999, or 101 in cases of non-emergency. If you want to report a crime, you can do so online, or via CrimeStoppers if you want to do so anonymously.
- Local safety initiatives. The Birmingham City Council runs several safety support initiatives that locals can get involved in, such as neighbourhood watch programmes and community meetings. There is also community safety advice and support for victims of crime on offer for those that feel they’d benefit from it.
The West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner also provides the community-led initiative StreetWatch, made up of volunteers from the surrounding areas that carry out street patrols in a bid to make local cities a safer place to live.
How We Can Help
If you’re running an event, launching a business, or trying to maximise the safety of your organisation, there is also the option of private security services. At Taybar, we offer fully bespoke security support for Birmingham locals looking to keep their property, premises, and people entirely protected, with everything from mobile patrols, to door supervisors, to alarm response services. If you’re in need of some professional safety support, get in touch today to hear more about how we can help safeguard your business in Birmingham.
