Whickham Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Whickham's crime rate in June 2023 stood at 11.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 29.4% above the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This built-up area within Gateshead, which includes a mix of residential and retail zones, saw shoplifting emerge as the most prevalent crime, accounting for 31.0% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences followed at 23.8%, while anti-social behaviour made up 11.9% of the total. These patterns align with the area's retail presence, which may partly explain the high rate of shoplifting compared to the UK average. June, the start of summer, typically sees increased foot traffic in local stores and public spaces, potentially contributing to the elevated shoplifting figures. However, the area's violent crime rate was 11% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused policing or local initiatives may be having a measurable impact. The seasonal context of longer daylight hours and the early stages of the tourism season could also influence crime dynamics, with public order offences rising slightly above the UK average. These findings highlight a combination of local geography, retail activity, and seasonal factors, which require further analysis to fully understand their implications.

June 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in Whickham's crime profile, with burglary increasing by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and criminal damage and arson doubling (from 8 to 16). These sharp rises contrast with declines in public order offences (-14.3%) and other theft (-14.3%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. Shoplifting remained the most prominent category, with a rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents—530% above the UK average—highlighting a persistent challenge for local retailers. Conversely, violence and sexual offences were 11% below the UK average, a notable divergence that may reflect effective community engagement or targeted policing efforts in the area. The increase in burglary, despite being a small category overall, could indicate targeted activity in specific residential areas, linked to seasonal changes in property occupancy. Residents may find the 168 total crimes reported in June—roughly 6 per day—useful for understanding local crime exposure, though this figure remains lower than the UK average when adjusted for population size.

Whickham's crime rate in June 2023 (11.0 per 1,000) marked a 13.5% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.7 per 1,000, underscoring a recent upward trend. This rise places the area significantly above the UK average, with 11.0 per 1,000 compared to the national rate of 8.5 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 crimes per day in June, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not directly compare to UK-wide daily averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within this built-up area. Given Whickham's population of 15,342, this monthly exposure rate translates to a tangible risk for residents, though it remains lower than the UK average when adjusted for population density. The contrast between Whickham's elevated shoplifting rate and its relatively low violent crime rate compared to the UK highlights the influence of local factors such as retail activity and community policing strategies. These comparisons provide context for residents and local authorities to assess how Whickham's crime profile aligns with broader national trends.