Gateshead Crime Rate

Gateshead reports an overall crime rate of 111.4 per 1,000 people, which stands above the UK average of 91.7. However, the area maintains a strong safety score of 75/100, indicating that it remains a relatively safe environment for residents and visitors alike. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a 3.5% decrease year-over-year, which suggests a positive direction for local safety. Between December 2024 and November 2025, the community has seen a consistent management of crime levels. This detailed analysis explores the breakdown of crime types and monthly trends to provide a comprehensive overview of the safety landscape in the Gateshead local authority area.

Gateshead is a significant industrial and commercial hub in the North East, characterised by a mix of high-density urban centres and quieter suburban residential areas. The presence of major retail destinations, such as the Metrocentre, and a vibrant cultural scene along the Quayside contributes to its crime profile. These areas attract large numbers of visitors and shoppers, which can naturally lead to higher instances of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, Gateshead's position as a key transport link between Newcastle and the south means it experiences a high volume of transient traffic. Economic factors, including pockets of urban regeneration alongside more established industrial zones, also play a role in the local crime rate. The safety score of 75/100 reflects a relatively secure environment for a borough of this size, balanced against the typical challenges faced by large metropolitan districts in the UK.

In Gateshead, the most frequent crime type is violence and sexual offences, representing 32.4% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, accounting for 16.8%, followed by shoplifting at 10.0%. For residents, property crime is a key area of concern, with an overall rate of 40.4 per 1,000 people. This combined figure includes burglary (4.2%), vehicle crime (4.3%), and criminal damage and arson (9.6%), as well as other theft and shoplifting. While burglary rates are relatively low at 4.7 per 1,000, the cumulative impact of property-related offences means that homeowners should prioritise security. The high percentage of shoplifting reflects the area's major retail hubs, while the prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour highlights the need for continued community-focused policing and personal awareness in public spaces.

The crime trend in Gateshead is currently stable, with a 3.5% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern, with crime rates fluctuating between 7.9 and 10.3 per 1,000 people. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 (7.9), while the peak occurred in October 2025 (10.3). There was a gradual increase during the summer months, with rates rising from 8.7 in April to 10.1 in August, followed by a slight dip and then the October peak. This suggests that crime in Gateshead may follow a seasonal trend, with higher activity in the warmer months and early autumn. However, the overall annual decrease indicates that despite these fluctuations, the long-term trend is moving in a positive direction for the borough.

Comparing Gateshead to its immediate neighbours reveals its position as a central urban hub. Surrounding areas such as Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. This disparity highlights Gateshead's role as a primary location for commercial and social activity in the region, which often correlates with higher reported crime figures. While the surrounding districts may appear statistically safer, Gateshead's safety score of 75/100 suggests that it provides a secure environment despite its higher crime rate. For those working or living in the heart of the North East, Gateshead offers a vibrant urban experience with a safety profile that compares favourably to other major UK metropolitan areas.

In Gateshead, where the property crime rate is 40.4 per 1,000 people, residents need more than just traditional security. Standard CCTV cameras are often reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has already happened. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is the key. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it reaches your door. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with advanced AI, scOS can detect threats at your property boundary in real-time. Whether it's identifying a suspicious vehicle with DVLA verification or activating an autonomous response like lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area like Gateshead, where property-related offences make up a significant portion of crime, investing in a system that prevents rather than just records is a vital step for any homeowner.

How To Keep Safe in Gateshead

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Gateshead, it is important to stay vigilant, particularly in busy town centres and near nightlife venues. Awareness and preparation are your best tools for staying safe in public spaces.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or parks.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in high-traffic retail areas like the Metrocentre to deter anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft.
3. If you are a business owner or frequent shopper, be aware of the high rate of shoplifting and report any suspicious behaviour to security or the police immediately.
4. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-secured with modern locks and visible security systems can help deter both anti-social behaviour and property crime.
5. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch group to stay informed about crime trends in your specific part of Gateshead and to contribute to a safer community.