Whickham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Whickham’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 60.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This marked improvement reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (24.4% of total incidents), followed by public order offences (24.4%) and anti-social behaviour (14.6%). The post-holiday period likely contributed to lower retail-related crimes, with shoplifting rates falling sharply compared to previous months. However, public order offences remained a concern, with their rate 67% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be linked to Whickham’s built-up character within Gateshead, where community spaces and public venues could amplify incidents of disorder. The overall low crime rate is consistent with the area’s relatively small population and lower density compared to urban centres, though the mix of crime types suggests that targeted efforts in managing public spaces and addressing anti-social behaviour remain priorities. Seasonal factors, such as reduced footfall in retail areas and shorter daylight hours, may partly explain the lower incidence of outdoor crimes, but the persistence of violent and public order offences indicates ongoing challenges that require sustained attention.

January 2026 marked a stark decline in certain crime categories, with criminal damage and arson plummeting by 93.3% (from 15 to 1) and shoplifting falling by 86.7% (from 45 to 6). These reductions may reflect post-holiday lulls in activity or targeted interventions. However, public order offences stood out as a significant concern, with a rate of 0.7 per 1,000 — 67% above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This suggests a need for closer monitoring in areas frequented by crowds. Violent crimes, though lower than the UK average, remained the most common category, accounting for 24.4% of all incidents. Residents should be particularly aware of anti-social behaviour, which saw a 57% reduction from the UK average but still contributed 14.6% of total crimes. The sharp drop in shoplifting may offer reassurance to local businesses, though the overall crime picture remains cautiously optimistic.

Whickham's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 2.7 per 1,000 residents, a 73.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 10.0 per 1,000. This sharp drop aligns with typical post-holiday patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may partly explain lower outdoor crime. Daily crime figures show an average of one reported incident per day across the built-up area, reflecting a calm but not entirely risk-free environment. Over the course of January, one crime occurred for every 374 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. While this monthly exposure is far below the UK average, the area’s lower population density compared to major cities likely contributes to this figure. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in public spaces, as the mix of crime types suggests ongoing challenges in managing anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.