Birmingham Couple Considers Selling Home After Theft

Birmingham, AL, September 22, 2025

News Summary

A couple in Birmingham, AL is contemplating selling their home following a theft of lawn equipment from their backyard, raising safety concerns. Financial expert Dave Ramsey addressed their worries, suggesting that their reaction may be exaggerated as their neighborhood has a low crime rate. He advised them to think carefully before making any decisions about selling their home. The city’s D+ safety rating highlights an overall increase in crime, yet experts emphasize taking precautions rather than hasty actions.

Birmingham, AL – A Birmingham couple is contemplating selling their home after experiencing a theft in their backyard that has raised safety concerns. Ashley, 25, purchased the house in 2024, and her husband, 27, moved in following their marriage in April 2025. The couple recently had lawn equipment stolen from their backyard, leading to feelings of violation and a decreased sense of safety for the husband. Fortunately, the thieves did not break into the house itself.

Financial expert Dave Ramsey addressed the couple’s concerns on The Ramsey Show, suggesting that their reaction may be somewhat disproportionate given the circumstances. Ashley noted that their neighborhood does not appear to have a significant crime issue, describing the theft as a “one-off weird thing.” Ramsey expressed that the theft of lawn equipment is indicative of it not being a serious crime, possibly committed by youths. He advised the couple not to rush into selling their home, as their area may still be safe.

Ramsey highlighted the legal distinction between robbery, which involves taking property from a person by force, and burglary, which involves unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. The emotional impact of property theft can indeed cause individuals to feel unsafe, even when the actual level of danger may not be high. The couple has been encouraged to take precautionary measures if they remain concerned about their safety, such as installing security systems or improving home security.

Reports from various crime mapping services indicate that Birmingham has a D+ safety rating, with crime rates 191% higher than Alabama’s average. Additional data indicates a 7.6% overall increase in crime for the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, although homicides decreased by 51.3%. Statewide trends reveal a significant increase in property crime, with a rise in thefts and burglaries reported by CVS data.

To help residents gauge neighborhood safety, crime mapping tools like CityProtect.com can be utilized. Homeowners are also advised to review their insurance policies to ensure they have coverage for theft and to look for potential discounts for implementing security systems. For those who wish to enhance their home security, tips include installing security cameras, motion sensor lights, and maintaining clear communication with neighbors about suspicious activities.

The city of Birmingham is also taking steps to improve community safety by engaging in legal actions against landlords of high-crime properties, aiming to reduce overall crime rates in the area.

Key Statistics on Safety in Birmingham

• Overall crime increase (2025 vs. 2024): 7.6%
• Decrease in homicides: 51.3%
• Property crime rate increase: Significant rise in thefts and burglaries
• Birmingham safety rating: D+
• Crime rate: 191% higher than Alabama’s average

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Additional Resources

• ABC 33/40 News
• Montgomery Advertiser
• Ramsey Solutions
• AL.com
• CBS 42 News
• Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
• Google Search: Birmingham Alabama crime statistics
• Google Scholar: Birmingham Alabama crime report
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• Google News: Birmingham crime news

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.