Whickham Crime Rate

Whickham reports an overall crime rate of 118.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.6. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 76/100, suggesting a generally secure environment for its 15,342 residents. However, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 6.8% rise year-over-year. A notable feature of Whickham's data is the high rate of property crime, particularly shoplifting, which accounts for nearly a quarter of all reported incidents. This indicates that while personal safety remains a priority, the risk to local businesses and residential property is substantial. This report explores these trends in detail to provide a comprehensive safety overview for the Whickham community.

In Whickham, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 24.9% of all incidents. Shoplifting is a very close second at 24.4%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.4%. The high rate of shoplifting is particularly notable for a settlement of this size, suggesting significant commercial activity and related 'business crime'.

Property crime in Whickham is a major concern, with a rate of 56.0 per 1,000 people. This is substantially higher than the UK average of 32.2. Beyond shoplifting, other theft accounts for 6.3% of reports, while vehicle crime and burglary make up 3.6% and 3.5% respectively. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 7.5% to the total. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate that while violent crime is the top category, the combined volume of property-related offences—especially theft and damage—presents a high risk. Effective home and business security is essential in Whickham to mitigate the threat of opportunistic theft and property interference.

Whickham is currently experiencing an increasing crime trend, with reported incidents up by 6.8% year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows considerable fluctuation, with a significant peak in May at 12.3 crimes per 1,000 people. Other high-activity months include August (10.9) and March (10.6).

The lowest crime rate was recorded in September (7.6), but the year ended on a higher note with 10.0 in December. This upward trajectory suggest that crime is becoming more frequent in the settlement, particularly in the spring and late summer months. For residents and local business owners, this trend highlights the need for increased vigilance and more robust security measures to counter the rising volume of opportunistic and commercial crime in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Whickham

Violence and sexual offences and shoplifting are the most common crimes in Whickham. With crime trends currently increasing, taking proactive steps for personal and property safety is highly recommended.

1. When shopping or working in Whickham's commercial areas, stay alert to your surroundings. Business owners should consider active security measures to combat the high rate of shoplifting.
2. Ensure your home is protected by more than just basic locks. Given the high property crime rate, visible and proactive security systems are a strong deterrent against opportunistic thieves.
3. Vehicle crime is most common at night. Always park in well-lit areas or secure garages, and never leave any items visible inside your vehicle, as this can attract unwanted attention.
4. If you are out in the evening, stick to well-populated and well-lit routes. Whickham's high safety score suggests it is generally safe, but staying in visible areas is a sensible precaution.
5. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police. Regular reporting helps authorities identify patterns and deploy resources to the areas where they are most needed.

Crime in Whickham exhibits strong daytime and evening patterns. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is the most active period for theft and shoplifting, accounting for 50% of the period's reports. This aligns with peak commercial hours in the settlement. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see significant theft activity at 46%.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts towards 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 50% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the peak window for vehicle crime (33%) and burglary (21%). These trends suggest that while commercial areas are most at risk during the day, residential property and vehicles are most vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Residents should prioritise overnight security for their homes and cars.

Whickham (118.6 crimes per 1,000) shares a similar crime profile with its near neighbour Blaydon (121.8). However, it is notably busier than other nearby residential areas such as Sunniside (82.4), Ryton (81.6), and Rowlands Gill (71.4). For those comparing settlements in the western part of the Gateshead borough, Whickham offers a more urbanised environment with more significant commercial activity, which is reflected in its higher crime rate compared to the more tranquil suburban surroundings. Residents in Whickham may experience a higher volume of opportunistic theft than those in the neighbouring villages, necessitating a more proactive approach to property security.

With a property crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000, Whickham is an area where traditional security measures are often insufficient. In an environment with high rates of shoplifting and theft, criminals are often bold and opportunistic. Standard CCTV or doorbell cameras are reactive—they provide evidence after the fact, but they don't stop the crime from happening.

The scOS AI-powered operating system provides a proactive alternative that is essential for Whickham. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS identifies threats before they escalate. Whether it's someone loitering near a business or an intruder on a residential driveway, scOS detects the pattern and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and makes it clear that the property is being actively protected. For Whickham residents and business owners, this level of professional-grade deterrence is the most effective way to ensure their property does not become part of the area's increasing crime statistics.