Cumberland Crime Rate

Cumberland is a relatively safe local authority area with a safety score of 80/100, which is slightly above the UK average of 79/100. The overall crime rate stands at 79.8 per 1,000 people, notably lower than the national average of 91.6. Most encouragingly, the crime trend in Cumberland is decreasing, with a 5.3% drop year-over-year. This positive trajectory, combined with crime rates that are lower than the UK average, highlights the district as a secure residential area. While violence and public order offences are the most frequently recorded categories, the following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and offers practical advice for residents to enhance their personal and property safety.

About Cumberland

Cumberland is a large local authority area in North West England, formed by the merger of several districts. It encompasses a diverse range of environments, from the historic city of Carlisle and industrial coastal towns like Whitehaven to the vast rural landscapes of the Lake District National Park. This geographical variety significantly influences the area's crime statistics. The urban centres naturally experience higher volumes of activity, while the rural and tourist-focused areas have distinct seasonal patterns.

Major employers in the region, particularly in the nuclear and manufacturing sectors, along with a significant tourism industry, contribute to a transient population that can impact per-capita crime figures. The area's transport hubs and nightlife in larger towns also play a role in the prevalence of public order and anti-social behaviour reports. Economic factors associated with both industrial heritage and the rural economy are key drivers of local crime dynamics. Understanding this mix of urban, coastal, and rural factors is essential to interpreting the safety score and crime rates for Cumberland.

Crime in Cumberland

Cumberland experiences a crime rate of 79.8 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. The most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, accounting for a significant 45.3% of all reported incidents. This is followed by public order offences at 10.6% and criminal damage and arson at 10.1%. Together, these three categories represent over 65% of all police-recorded activity in the local authority.

Property-related crime in Cumberland, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 22.2 per 1,000 people, notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, shoplifting is a notable issue, representing 6.5% of total crime, while burglary and vehicle crime are relatively infrequent at 2.3% and 1.9% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the overall risk of property crime is lower than the national average, personal safety and the prevention of criminal damage (8.0%) remain important. The low burglary and vehicle crime rates reflect a generally secure residential environment across the district.

Crime Trends in Cumberland

The crime trend in Cumberland is very encouraging, with a year-over-year decrease of 5.3%. This downward trajectory indicates that the local authority area is becoming safer over time. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate remained relatively consistent throughout the year. The rate peaked in March, May, and June, all reaching 7.1 per 1,000 people. These peaks are often associated with increased outdoor activity during the spring and early summer.

The lowest crime rates were recorded in November at 6.0 per 1,000, and in January at 6.1. For most of the year, the rate fluctuated between 6.3 and 7.1 per 1,000, which is a narrow and stable range. The fact that the trend is decreasing despite these minor fluctuations is a positive sign for the community. For residents, this consistent performance reinforces Cumberland's reputation as a secure area with a downward trend in reported crime.

Comparing Cumberland to its neighbouring districts reveals its position as a significant regional hub. While some adjacent areas like Westmorland and Furness, Dumfries and Galloway, and Lancaster show remarkably lower crime rates in this specific comparison, Cumberland's rate of 79.8 per 1,000 remains well below the national average. This reflects its mix of busy urban centres and extensive rural areas. For those considering the region, Cumberland offers a safer-than-average environment overall, though it requires a higher level of safety awareness in its larger towns than in the more sparsely populated neighbouring districts.

With a property crime rate of 22.2 per 1,000, Cumberland residents enjoy a safer environment than the UK average, but the prevalence of criminal damage and shoplifting indicates that property security should remain a priority. In this diverse district, traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive. A standard alarm or camera system only alerts you or records footage after an intruder has already breached your property's perimeter.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's boundaries 24/7. It is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By identifying potential threats in real-time and distinguishing them from normal activity, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This immediate intervention can disrupt a criminal's plan before they even reach your door. For Cumberland homeowners, the visible deterrence of a professional-grade system like scOS is a powerful tool in protecting assets and ensuring peace of mind across the district's urban and rural communities.

How To Keep Safe in Cumberland

The most prevalent crime type in Cumberland is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 45% of all reported incidents. Personal safety and awareness are key priorities for all residents across the district.

1. When moving around the larger towns like Carlisle or Whitehaven, especially in the evenings, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
2. If you are visiting the rural or tourist areas, remain aware of your surroundings and try to travel with others, particularly when using remote footpaths after dark.
3. Ensure your home is as secure as possible by using high-quality deadlocks on all external doors and keeping windows locked when you are not in the room.
4. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. Even in low-crime areas, items left on display can attract opportunistic thieves.
5. Be mindful of your personal belongings in busy areas, such as shopping centres or popular tourist destinations, to prevent opportunistic theft.
6. Engage with local community policing teams and neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about safety initiatives and any specific crime trends in your local area.