Safety and Crime in St James End

The West side of Northampton is wildely considered to be the more dangerous and less cared for area of Northampton.

photo of vandalised bus stop by Francesca Roche

For example, one of the bus stops in the centre of St James was vandalised twice in a 30 day period. Ian Bland on X stated his outrage towards the vandalising “Bus stop Northampton St James opp Natwest vandalised AGAIN. This **hole of a town."

Many in the area have acknowleged the neighbourhood's conditions. St James End resident Tasha Faulkner recognised the state of the area “We are classed as a deprived area”

“We’re actually one of the highest areas in Northampton that suffers from deprivation and not many equal opportunities.” 

According to CrimeStats, the most commonly reported crime in the last year at St James End was burglaries and violent and sexual offences. 

“Young people don’t have a safe space on this side of town.”

photo by Francesca Roche

However, improvements in recent years have been made. After the Doddridge Centre’s management switch changed two years ago, more activity has taken place to improve the area, including monthly events and community classes. 

Northamptonshire Police have also recognised the need for safety in St James End, where wardens are frequently seen by residents throughout the day.