High Spen Crime Rate

High Spen is one of the most secure urban settlements in the region, with an overall crime rate of 57.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, and the area's safety score of 89/100 is far above the national average of 79. Most encouragingly, the crime trend is currently decreasing, with a significant 15.3% reduction in total incidents year-over-year. This downward trajectory reinforces High Spen's reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. By examining the specific breakdown of crime types and when they occur, we can see that the area remains a safe haven with very low levels of serious property crime. The following analysis provides a detailed look at these statistics.

Crime Breakdown in High Spen

High Spen is one of the safest areas in the region, with its crime profile led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 32.8% of all recorded incidents with 40 cases. Violence and sexual offences is the second most common issue, constituting 26.2% of the total with 32 cases, followed by public order offences at 11.5% (14 cases). These figures reflect a community where high-level crime is exceptionally rare.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—is extremely low in High Spen. The property crime rate stands at just 9.9 per 1,000 people, which is less than a third of the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (6 cases), other theft (6 cases), and burglary (6 cases) are the most frequent. The burglary rate is very low at 2.8 per 1,000, indicating a highly secure environment for homeowners.

For residents, the data suggests that High Spen is a very secure location. The primary concerns are social issues like anti-social behaviour, rather than serious property theft. However, even in very low-crime areas, maintaining basic security measures is important to prevent opportunistic offences and ensure the area remains one of the safest in Gateshead.

Crime Trends in High Spen

The most significant trend in High Spen's crime data is the 15.3% year-over-year decrease in total recorded incidents. This downward trend is an excellent sign for the local community, indicating a steady improvement in safety. Monthly analysis reveals that the crime rate peaked in December 2024 at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, followed by August and April at 7.5.

The lowest crime rate during this period was recorded in June 2025, with just 0.9 crimes per 1,000 people. These monthly fluctuations are very minor, showing that crime in High Spen remains at a consistently low level throughout the year. For residents, this stability and the overall 15.3% decrease are strong indicators of a safe and reliable community environment. The area is maintaining its status as one of the safest urban settlements in the region.

How To Keep Safe in High Spen

Anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types in High Spen. Although the area is very safe, taking simple precautions can help you maintain your personal security.

When walking in the area, especially during the evening when anti-social behaviour is more common, try to stay on well-lit main roads. Since anti-social behaviour makes up 32.8% of all reports, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding any areas where large groups gather can help you stay safe. For homeowners, the afternoon peak in burglary and theft (38% and 31% of crimes during those hours) suggests that ensuring your property looks occupied when you are out is a wise step. Use timer switches for lights and ensure all entry points are securely locked. For vehicle owners, although vehicle crime is very low, standard precautions like locking your car and not leaving valuables on display are still recommended. Finally, staying connected with local community alerts can help you stay informed about the very few incidents that do occur in High Spen.

Crime Timing in High Spen

Crime in High Spen follows a predictable daily cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft and burglary are the most common issues, accounting for 31-38% of crimes. This suggests that opportunistic property crime is the primary concern during the hours when residents are most active or away from their homes.

As the day transitions into the evening, the data shows a shift toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 46% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. This is the peak period for social-related nuisance reports. Overnight, from midnight to 6am, burglary remains a significant concern, representing 38% of all night-time incidents, while vehicle crime also peaks at 24%. These patterns highlight that while theft is a daytime problem, the security of homes and vehicles is most at risk during the late night and early morning when the area is quietest.

In the local context, High Spen stands out as an exceptionally safe area. Its crime rate of 57.2 per 1,000 makes it significantly more secure than nearby Rowlands Gill (71.4) and Chopwell (86.1). It is comparable in safety to Crawcrook and Greenside (54.2). This comparison highlights that High Spen is a premier choice for those prioritising safety within the Gateshead local authority, offering a much lower risk profile than most of its surrounding urban counterparts. The 15.3% decrease in crime further reinforces its reputation as a stable and secure community.

Proactive Safety in High Spen

Residents of High Spen enjoy one of the lowest property crime rates in the region, at just 9.9 per 1,000 people. While the statistical risk is very low, the impact of a single incident can still be significant. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or simple alarms, are reactive—they are designed to notify you or record footage after a break-in has already occurred. In a safe area like this, preventing even the occasional opportunistic crime is the goal.

scOS provides a proactive security solution that focuses on prevention rather than just recording. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats before they can reach your home. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly spot suspicious vehicles, while autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lights or audio alerts—can disrupt a criminal's plan in the first 60 seconds. For High Spen homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention ensures that your property remains as safe as the community around it, providing total peace of mind.