2023 figures indicate the areas of Birmingham with the highest robbery rates and reveal that on average 58 people were robbed every month in Birmingham’s city centre. 

Most recent data from police.uk, which provides an overview of every recorded offence in each area of Birmingham last year, revealed the areas in which robbery was most prevalent in the city. It defined robbery as ‘taking someone’s property using ‘violence or intimidation’’. 

The statistics show that the city centre was by far the worst-hit area, experiencing 704 robberies over the course of the year, therefore, 58 per month. After the busy city centre, which can be expected to be the area that sees the highest frequency of robberies in it, Aston comes in at second place. Throughout 2023, the area in which Villa Park is located suffered 280 robberies. Next on the list was Lozells and East Handsworth with 223 incidents in total. 

Other areas affected included Stockland Green with 174 cases, South Yardley with 173, Erdington with 136, and Sparkbrook with 132. Additionally, Smith’s Wood reported 128 instances, Washwood Heath had 123, and Small Heath and Highgate recorded 120. Northfield and Selly Oak rounded out the list with 116 cases each. These statistics determine the importance of implementing effective strategies to address and mitigate robbery in these vulnerable communities.

Despite the concerning rise in robbery incidents across Birmingham’s neighbourhoods in 2023, University of Birmingham students might find some solace in the fact that their cherished ‘university quarter’ appears towards the lower end of the list. While still impacted by crime, this area seems comparatively safer than others highlighted, offering a semblance of reassurance to students and residents alike. Nonetheless, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for continued vigilance and effective community safety measures to safeguard all members of the university community and beyond.

To respond to these findings and reduce the level of crime in the city, last year the West Midlands Police made changes to its policing strategy, creating  ‘a more community-focused approach’. Birmingham Live reports that this year the number of police officers in the region is set to exceed 8,000 and that they have been tasked with ‘rebuilding community policing’.

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