Understand
Fall in West Midlands gun crime attributed to policing strategies and community efforts
Overview
Gun crime in the West Midlands has seen a significant decrease over the past six years, dropping from 157 firearms discharges in 2020-21 to 69 last year, and 30 in the first seven months of 2026. West Midlands Police attribute this decline to changes in how the force handles firearms incidents through a dedicated major crime unit that treats every report of gunfire as a murder investigation. Additionally, former gang members, local mentors, and community organisations are credited with changing cultural attitudes and steering young people away from street crime.
Key points
- Gun crime figures in the West Midlands have dropped significantly over the past six years, falling from 157 firearms discharges in 2020-21 to 69 last year.
- In the first seven months of 2026, West Midlands Police recorded only 30 firearms discharges.
- West Midlands Police attribute the reduction to a reorganisation involving a major crime unit that treats every reported shooting as if it were a murder.
- Community efforts, mentorship by former gang members, and local projects are credited with helping to change youth culture and steer individuals away from crime.
- Despite improvements, gun crime and rivalries persist, with the West Midlands force area remaining second only to the Metropolitan Police for total discharges and population served.