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November 7, 2024


Coventry is a city in the West Midlands located to the east of Birmingham. It is the second-largest city in the county, with a population of 345,324 as of 2021.

Founded in the early Middle Ages, the city is known for its medieval cathedral and three universities, including the esteemed University of Warwick, which make it a popular destination for visitors and students alike.

But how does the city fare in terms of crime? In this blog, we’ll explore the five most common crimes in Coventry, discussing trends, the impact on local areas and those most affected. As a result, we hope to provide a clearer picture of Coventry’s most common crimes and how they influence daily life across the city.

Crime in Coventry: An Overview

Understanding Coventry’s crime landscape is crucial for residents, business owners and anyone looking to visit the city.

When it comes to crime, Coventry has an overall rate of 126 crimes per 1,000 daytime population, making it the safest city in the West Midlands. However, like any city, it faces its fair share of criminal activity, with a high rate of violent and vehicular crimes affecting those living there:

Coventry West Midlands
Crime Count Count Rate Difference
Violence and Sexual Offences 15,599 149,353 4.7% safer
Vehicle Crime 4,721 35,417 22% more dangerous
Anti-Social Behaviour 3,550 24,306 33% more dangerous
Criminal Damage and Arson 3,136 27,706 3.3% more dangerous
Shoplifting 3,109 23,907 19% more dangerous

Source: CrimeRate UK

5. Shoplifting

The fifth most common crime in the city of Coventry is shoplifting, which impacts the retail sector in particular. The city houses a variety of retail environments, from high-street shops to large shopping centres, making shoplifting a persistent issue.

In recent years, instances of shoplifting have remained relatively high, with many incidents reported across both large retailers and small local shops. According to CrimeRate UK, there were 3,109 cases reported between 2023 and 2024, positioning Coventry as 19% more dangerous than other areas of the West Midlands in terms of shoplifting.

4. Criminal Damage and Arson

Criminal damage and arson are some of the more destructive types of crime affecting the city of Coventry. It includes acts like graffiti, vandalism destruction of property and deliberately setting fires. Such crimes impact a variety of locations, from homes and public spaces like parks to commercial properties, creating financial strain and safety concerns across the city.

In the 12 months from June 2023 to June 2024, 3,136 reports of criminal damage and arson were recorded in Coventry, with the highest rates being reported in the St Michael’s ward, located in the east of the city.

Vandalism and arson can diminish the appeal and safety of public areas, causing residents to feel less secure in their surroundings. As a result, areas experiencing high rates of these crimes may experience a downturn in economic activity and foot traffic, causing a strain on public resources.

3. Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a persistent issue in Coventry, ranking as one the third most frequently reported offences. ASB encompasses a range of disruptive behaviour, from vandalism and public intoxication to loud disturbances and harassment. These actions can undermine the quality of life in affected neighbourhoods, making it an area of focus for residents, businesses and local authorities in the city.

The rate of ASB in Coventry currently sits at 3,550, making it 33% more dangerous than other areas in the West Midlands. In fact, in January 2024, Coventry was ranked the worst city in the West Midlands for anti-social behaviour, with 229 crimes reported in one month alone. The broad nature of ASB means it often goes underreported, so the real impact on the community may be more significant than recorded figures suggest.

2. Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime, i.e. vehicle theft, theft of valuables and vandalism, is the second most reported crime in Coventry.

Recent statistics show that Coventry has a comparatively high rate of vehicle crime within the West Midlands. With 4,721 cases recorded in the 12 months ending in June 2024, Coventry is 22% more dangerous than other areas in the county when it comes to vehicle crime. This type of crime poses a threat to both residents and businesses and underscores a need for proactive measures tailored to both personal and commercial vehicle owners in the city.

1. Violence and Sexual Offences

Violence and sexual offences top Coventry’s list of most recorded crimes. This type of crime encompasses a range of incidents, including assaults, robberies and various forms of harassment, including those of a sexually violent nature. These types of crimes have a serious impact not only on individual victims but also on families, businesses and communities as a whole.

According to recent data recorded by CrimeRate UK, the rate of violence and sexual offences in Coventry remains one of the highest in the West Midlands, with 16,323 incidents recorded during 2023, resulting in a crime rate of 51. While this number is 10% lower than that of 2022, it is still an area of great concern for the people of Coventry.

Building a Safer Coventry with Taybar

Addressing high crime rates across violent offences, vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and shoplifting is essential to protecting Coventry’s residents, businesses and public spaces. Confronting these issues requires a collaborative approach, where local law enforcement, community involvement and professional security measures all play a crucial role.

By supporting Coventry’s community with reliable security services including CCTV surveillance, manned guarding and alarm response, Taybar can help make the city a safer place and ensure that everybody enjoys the peace of mind they deserve. For more information on how we can safeguard your property or business, get in touch with our experts today.

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