Workington Crime Rate

Workington is a major industrial and commercial hub in Allerdale, which is reflected in its complex crime profile. The town currently has a safety score of 65/100, placing it below the UK average safety score of 78/100. Its overall crime rate is 144.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 93.1. Furthermore, crime in Workington is on an upward trajectory, with a year-over-year increase of 6.8%. These figures suggest that Workington faces more significant safety challenges than many of its more rural neighbours. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the types of crime occurring in the town, the timing of these incidents, and practical advice for residents to enhance their security.

Crime Breakdown in Workington

Workington's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.3% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 60.9 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most significant crime type at 11.3%, followed closely by public order offences at 10.5%. These figures indicate that both personal safety in public spaces and retail-related crime are key areas of concern for the local community.

Property crime in Workington, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at an overall rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, criminal damage and arson are particularly prevalent, making up 9.6% of the town's total crime. Burglary accounts for 3.5% of incidents, while vehicle crime stands at 1.9%. For homeowners and business owners, these statistics underscore the importance of robust security measures to protect assets against both opportunistic theft and vandalism. The high rate of shoplifting further suggests that commercial areas require dedicated surveillance and loss prevention strategies.

Crime Trends in Workington

Workington is currently experiencing an upward trend in criminal activity, with a year-over-year increase of 6.8%. This rise is a point of concern for the local community, as it indicates a shift away from the more stable patterns seen in previous years. Monthly data shows that the crime rate has been fluctuating, with several months recording rates above 12 crimes per 1,000 people.

A significant peak occurred in July 2025, where the rate reached 14.1, the highest in the twelve-month period. Other notable high points were recorded in March and June 2025, both at 12.5, and October 2025 at 12.9. The lowest rate was recorded in December 2024 at 10.5. The consistent presence of higher rates in the summer and autumn months suggests that seasonal activity may play a role in local crime dynamics. For residents, this increasing trend highlights the need for continued investment in community safety and personal property protection.

How To Keep Safe in Workington

The highest crime category in Workington is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in or around the town centre and areas with active nightlife. To enhance your personal safety, consider these actionable tips:

1. Plan your journey in advance when visiting the town centre, especially during evening hours, and try to stay in well-lit, busy areas.
2. If you are out at night, travel with friends or use reputable taxi services rather than walking through poorly lit shortcuts or parks alone.
3. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded retail areas to deter shoplifters and opportunistic thieves who may target shoppers.
4. If you witness anti-social behaviour or public order offences, avoid confrontation and report the incident to the police from a safe distance.
5. Residents should ensure that their home security is visible from the street; a well-protected property is a significant deterrent to those seeking easy targets for criminal damage or burglary.

Crime Time Patterns in Workington

Crime in Workington follows a clear temporal cycle. In the morning (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are common, making up 39% of reports as businesses open and the town centre becomes active. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), with theft rising to 41% and burglary accounting for 19% of incidents during this period. These daylight hours are particularly prone to retail-based crime and opportunistic residential offences.

During the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts significantly towards 'Other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which surge to 61% of total reports. This coincides with the peak hours for Workington's evening economy. At night (12am - 6am), while overall volume may decrease, the risk of vehicle crime peaks at 21%, and burglary remains high at 22%. These night-time patterns suggest that property and vehicle owners are most at risk during the early hours of the morning when activity on the streets is at its lowest.

Workington serves as the primary urban centre for the Allerdale region, and its crime statistics are notably higher than the surrounding settlements. When compared to nearby Stainburn, which has a low crime rate of 36.6 per 1,000, or Seaton at 37.2, Workington's rate of 144.1 is more than triple. High Harrington also maintains a much lower rate of 63.5. Interestingly, the small area of Siddick reports a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the extreme variance in safety across the local authority. For those living in the region, Workington represents the most active area for crime, making property and personal security a higher priority here than in the neighbouring villages.

With a property crime rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people, Workington residents face a higher-than-average risk of burglary, theft, and vandalism. In such an environment, traditional security systems like basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras—which only record footage for later review—may not provide the level of protection needed. By the time you receive a notification from a standard DIY camera, the intruder may already be inside your property.

scOS offers a transformative approach to home security in Workington. As an AI-powered operating system, scOS focuses on proactive prevention. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate. The system can distinguish between a neighbour, a delivery, and a genuine intruder, ensuring you are only alerted when it truly matters. More importantly, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings, to deter criminals before they attempt a break-in. In a town where crime is increasing, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.