Cumberland Crime Rate

Cumberland maintains a relatively high safety profile with an overall crime rate of 79.9 per 1,000 residents, which is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. The area boasts a safety score of 80/100, placing it slightly above the national average for security. Recent data indicates that the crime environment is stable, showing a 4.7% decrease in total offences year-over-year. As a district that encompasses both busy urban centres and extensive rural areas, Cumberland faces a unique set of safety challenges, with crime often concentrated in more populated hubs. This overview provides a detailed look at the statistics from December 2024 to November 2025 to help residents understand their local environment.

Cumberland is a diverse local authority in North West England, characterised by a mix of historic urban centres like Carlisle, industrial coastal towns such as Workington and Whitehaven, and vast rural landscapes including parts of the Lake District National Park. This geographical variety significantly influences its crime statistics. The urban areas serve as major employment and transport hubs, while the rural regions attract millions of tourists annually. Population density is generally low, but transient populations in tourist hotspots and the concentration of activity in town centres can lead to higher reporting of certain crime types. Economic factors, including the legacy of heavy industry and the seasonal nature of the tourism economy, also play a role in the local crime profile, particularly regarding public order and anti-social behaviour.

In Cumberland, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for a significant 45.5% of the total (36.4 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by public order offences at 10.5% and criminal damage and arson at 9.9%. Together, these three categories represent nearly two-thirds of all recorded crime in the district.

Property crime in Cumberland is relatively low compared to the national average, with a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 people. This total includes shoplifting (6.6%), other theft (5.7%), and burglary (2.2%). While burglary and vehicle crime (1.9%) are less common than in more urbanised authorities, they still represent a concern for residents, particularly in more isolated rural properties or densely packed residential streets. For homeowners, the data suggests that while the overall risk of property theft is lower than the UK average, the impact of criminal damage and the high prevalence of violent and public order offences in town centres remain important considerations for community safety.

The crime trend in Cumberland is currently stable, with a 4.7% decrease in total offences over the past 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a remarkably consistent pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated within a narrow range, starting at 6.7 in December and reaching small peaks of 7.1 in March, May, and June. The lowest rate was recorded in November 2025 at 6.0 per 1,000. This lack of significant volatility suggests that crime in Cumberland is well-managed and does not suffer from extreme seasonal spikes. For residents, this stability provides a level of predictability and suggests that local safety initiatives are effectively maintaining the district's secure environment.

In the context of the surrounding region, Cumberland's crime rate of 79.9 per 1,000 provides an important benchmark. Neighbouring authorities such as Westmorland and Furness, Dumfries and Galloway, Lancaster, Wyre, County Durham, and the Scottish Borders all show reported crime rates of 0.0 for this period in current datasets. This is typically a result of administrative data reporting cycles rather than a total absence of crime. When compared against the broader UK average, Cumberland remains a safe and stable region. For those considering the area, it offers a secure environment that balances the needs of its urban residents with the tranquility of its vast rural landscapes, making it one of the more secure regions in the North of England.

With a property crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents, Cumberland is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, but the risk of criminal damage and occasional burglary remains a reality. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are often reactive, providing footage only after an incident has occurred. In a region with many rural and isolated properties, the delay between a crime happening and it being discovered can be significant.

scOS provides a proactive solution by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Unlike DIY systems that simply send an alert to your phone after a break-in, scOS is designed to prevent the crime from happening. It can distinguish between residents, animals, and potential intruders, triggering autonomous responses like lighting and audio warnings to deter criminals. For Cumberland residents, particularly those in more remote areas or town centres where criminal damage is more common, this proactive approach offers a superior level of protection by stopping threats before they escalate.

How To Keep Safe in Cumberland

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cumberland, representing over 45% of all reported incidents. While the overall crime rate is low, residents should take sensible precautions to ensure personal safety:

1. When visiting town centres like Carlisle or Workington at night, stay in well-lit areas and try to travel with friends or colleagues.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in busy public spaces and avoid confrontations or escalating situations in nightlife areas.
3. Plan your journey home in advance, using licensed taxi services or public transport, and avoid walking home alone through quiet or unlit areas.
4. Keep your mobile phone charged and consider using safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
5. In rural areas, ensure that your property is clearly marked and that any remote access points are well-secured to prevent unauthorised entry.