Carlisle Crime Rate

Carlisle, a key regional city in Northern England, has an overall crime rate of 101.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 75/100, which is just below the national average of 78. However, the most significant data point is the trend direction: crime in Carlisle is currently decreasing, with a notable 7.2% reduction year-over-year. This downward trend suggests that the city is becoming safer for its residents and businesses. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types and practical safety advice tailored to the local Carlisle context.

Carlisle is a historic border city and the administrative centre of Cumbria. As a regional hub, it serves a large catchment area across Northern England and Southern Scotland. Its crime statistics are influenced by its role as a major transport junction (M6 and West Coast Main Line), its significant retail and commercial centre, and its vibrant nightlife. The city features a mix of dense urban areas, suburban estates, and surrounding rural villages. Higher crime rates are typically concentrated in the urban core, where retail activity and the evening economy are most active. Economic factors, including its industrial heritage and current role in logistics and manufacturing, also play a role in the local crime profile. The transient population passing through the city for work or travel can also contribute to the overall number of reported incidents.

In Carlisle, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime types, accounting for 43.7% of all reports at a rate of 44.1 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences are the second most common (10.9%), followed by criminal damage and arson (9.4%). Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a combined rate of 28.3 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, shoplifting is a significant factor, occurring at a rate of 7.8 per 1,000. Burglary rates are relatively low at 1.7 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 2.1. For residents, this suggests that while street-level crime and public disorder are more frequent, the direct risk of home break-ins is comparatively lower than in many other UK cities.

The crime trend in Carlisle is on a positive downward trajectory, with a 7.2% decrease year-over-year. Monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows the crime rate peaked at 9.4 per 1,000 in December 2024, likely due to seasonal city centre activity. Since then, the rate has generally declined, reaching a low of 7.8 in January 2025 and maintaining a steady average of around 8.0-8.5 for the remainder of the year. This consistent reduction across most months is an encouraging sign for the city's overall safety profile and reflects effective local crime management strategies.

As the primary urban and commercial hub for Cumbria, Carlisle naturally experiences higher crime rates than the more rural surrounding districts. While specific comparative data for its immediate neighbours was not included in this set, Carlisle's rate of 101.3 is typical for a city of its size and regional importance. For those considering the area, the city offers a central urban experience with the trade-off of higher crime levels compared to the quiet villages of the Lake District or the Eden Valley, though the current decreasing trend is an encouraging sign for the entire region.

In a city like Carlisle, where the property crime rate is 28.3 per 1,000 residents, homeowners need to think beyond traditional security. Standard CCTV cameras and alarm systems are often reactive—they notify you or record footage only after an intruder has already entered your home. Proactive protection changes this dynamic. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries 24/7. It can detect a potential threat before a break-in happens, allowing for an autonomous response such as activating lights or speakers to deter the intruder. This is particularly effective in urban settings where most criminals look for the easiest target. By installing a proactive system like scOS, you are sending a clear signal that your property is monitored by advanced technology, effectively preventing crime before it can occur.

How To Keep Safe in Carlisle

The most frequent crime type in Carlisle is violence and sexual offences, often concentrated in the city centre. To stay safe, consider these practical suggestions:

1. Plan Your Night Out: If you are enjoying Carlisle's evening economy, plan your journey home in advance. Use licensed taxis or well-lit walking routes and stay with friends.
2. Be Mindful in Retail Areas: Shoplifting and 'other theft' are significant in the city. When shopping, keep your personal bags zipped and never leave your phone or wallet unattended on tables in cafes or pubs.
3. Secure Your Perimeter: To combat criminal damage and property crime, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit. Motion-activated lighting is a strong deterrent for those seeking to act under the cover of darkness.
4. Vehicle Vigilance: Always lock your vehicle and remove any visible items. In a city environment, even an empty bag can attract a 'smash and grab' thief.
5. Stay Informed: Follow local police social media channels for updates on crime hotspots or specific warnings in your neighbourhood.