Thursday September 4, 2025
LONDON, United Kingdom (HOL) — Warwickshire Police pushed back against a viral claim that Nuneaton is “more dangerous than Somalia,” pointing to stepped-up patrols, targeted enforcement orders and a recent town-center security push, as official figures show 216 crimes recorded in June in the Nuneaton Central area.
The claim originated from Yusuf Ali Hamud, a 50-year-old former asylum seeker who told Sky News he has been asking the Home Office for months to deport him back to Somalia, saying he felt unsafe in the Warwickshire town. His remarks — “The country is not safe. But my country, now, I’m safe. I want to go back.” — drew national attention and sparked debate over public safety.
Police said the characterization was misleading and stressed that targeted action is underway. Inspector Ryan Walker cited a dedicated foot patrol officer, PC Seb Lock, who has already made arrests, alongside increased neighborhood patrols and plainclothes operations from the Business Crime Team. Officers have also used a Public Space Protection Order in both town centers and secured a Criminal Behaviour Order against a repeat offender.
“We want all of our communities to feel that our town centre is a safe place to live and work,” Walker said. “That starts with a visible presence, but also with tools that allow us to tackle persistent offenders directly.”
According to police.uk data, violent and sexual offenses made up the largest category in June 2025, with 62 cases, followed by 47 anti-social behavior reports, 38 shoplifting offenses, and 19 public-order incidents. April marked the year’s peak, with 309 recorded crimes. Police acknowledge that Nuneaton has long ranked among Warwickshire’s higher-crime boroughs but argue the figures show progress when compared year on year.
Beyond enforcement, the Nuneaton Business Improvement District has funded additional private security patrols in the town center after concerns raised by traders. Police say they regularly carry out walkabouts with councillors and the local MP to address community worries.
The Home Office said it could not comment on Hamud’s case but noted that foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes are subject to deportation, either enforced or voluntary.
Police emphasized that while the town continues to face challenges, labeling Nuneaton as less safe than a country emerging from decades of conflict was inaccurate and unfair to residents and officers working to address crime.