Hundreds of Coventry residents are steering clear of the city centre, with many saying they simply don’t feel safe — especially at night.
Why Coventry Locals Are Staying Away
A council survey last year revealed that over 80% of locals avoid the city centre at night due to safety concerns. Even during the day, more than half of respondents said they rarely visit the area — with crime and anti-social behaviour topping the list of worries.
The survey, which gathered feedback from nearly 700 people, showed that while most residents (around 60%) feel safe in Coventry during daylight hours, that confidence disappears after dark.
More than 300 people specifically said they avoid the city centre at night because they feel unsafe. Meanwhile, 140 people admitted they even avoid it during the day for the same reason.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Top the List
The biggest issues highlighted by locals and officials include:
- Begging
- Retail theft
- Street drinking
- Drug use and dealing
Partner groups working with the council ranked drug-related issues as the top problem, followed closely by street violence and robbery.
New Plan to Make Coventry Safer
The council and police are now working on a new Community Safety Partnership Plan (CSPP) to tackle these issues head-on. The plan, which will run for the next three years from April 2025, aims to create a safer city centre and boost community confidence.
Key goals include:
✅ Reducing anti-social behaviour
✅ Improving the city’s night-time economy
✅ Gaining “Purple Flag” status — a sign of a well-managed, safe nightlife
Officials also want to introduce a “case management approach” to handle issues like begging, shoplifting, drug use, and street drinking more effectively.
Hillfields Also in Focus
As part of the strategy, the council plans to target Hillfields — an area that’s seen increased crime and anti-social behaviour in recent years. The aim is to reduce crime and improve community engagement.
What Happens Next?
Members of the ruling Labour Cabinet are expected to approve the plan tomorrow. If given the green light, the full council will rubber-stamp it on 25 March.
Locals will be watching closely to see if these changes will finally make Coventry city centre a place where people feel safe — both day and night.
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