Hambleton Crime Rate

Hambleton, a local authority district in North Yorkshire, is recognised as a safe and secure region with an overall crime rate of 67.2 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 85/100. The district is currently experiencing a positive shift in its safety profile, with crime rates decreasing by 7.9% year-over-year. This downward trend, combined with a high safety score, makes Hambleton one of the more desirable areas in the North of England for residents and families. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the crime types and trends that define this district.

About Hambleton

Hambleton is a predominantly rural local authority district in North Yorkshire, characterised by its historic market towns, such as Northallerton and Thirsk, and its proximity to the North York Moors National Park. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its low population density and its role as a regional agricultural hub. Major employers include the public sector, agriculture, and a growing tourism industry, which brings a transient population during peak seasons.

The presence of major transport corridors like the A19 and A1(M) can influence crime rates, particularly regarding transit-related offences and rural crime. Economically, Hambleton is relatively affluent, which contributes to its high safety score, though it remains a target for cross-border property crime. The blend of quiet residential villages and busier market towns creates a varied safety landscape, where rural isolation can sometimes be a factor in crime reporting and response times. Overall, the area's demography and economic stability are key drivers of its lower-than-average crime rates.

Crime Breakdown in Hambleton

Hambleton's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.4% of all reports (1,838 incidents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.2% (1,308 incidents) and criminal damage and arson at 8.4% (436 incidents). These figures reflect a landscape where social and interpersonal issues are more prevalent than large-scale property crime.

Regarding property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—the district maintains a relatively low rate of 19.7 per 1,000 residents. This includes 406 shoplifting cases and 194 burglaries. For homeowners in Hambleton, while the overall risk is lower than the UK average, the prevalence of criminal damage and the steady rate of burglaries mean that maintaining property security is still a vital consideration to preserve the area's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Hambleton

The crime trend in Hambleton is currently very positive, with an overall decrease of 7.9% year-over-year. A review of the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a consistent performance, with most months staying between 5.0 and 6.0 crimes per 1,000 people. There was a noticeable peak in July 2025, where the rate rose to 6.7, followed by a gradual return to lower levels in September (5.4) and October (5.5).

This peak in July is a common seasonal trend, often associated with increased tourism and longer daylight hours leading to more public activity. The overall reduction of nearly 8% suggests that community safety measures and police interventions are having a measurable impact. For residents, this trend provides confidence that Hambleton is not only safe but is actively improving its security environment.

Hambleton's safety profile is best understood by looking at the diverse areas within its boundary. The market town of Northallerton has the highest local crime rate at 113.6, while the village of Sowerby is significantly lower at 51.6. Other towns like Easingwold (67.1) and Stokesley (71.7) sit near the district average. The safest pockets are found in villages like Romanby (29.1) and Hutton Rudby (15.2), with Leeming showing an exceptionally low rate of 6.9. This variation highlights that while the local authority is safe overall, the experience of crime is concentrated in the larger settlements, while the surrounding rural areas remain remarkably secure.

Home Security in Hambleton

Despite Hambleton's low property crime rate of 19.7 per 1,000 residents, the rural and semi-rural nature of the district presents unique security challenges. Isolated properties and outbuildings can be vulnerable to targeted thefts, where traditional CCTV cameras often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For residents in such a safe area, the goal is not just to record crime but to maintain that safety by preventing incidents entirely.

A proactive security strategy using an AI-powered system like scOS is highly effective in this environment. scOS monitors all cameras simultaneously, using intelligent detection to identify potential threats at the property line. By activating autonomous responses—such as engaging speakers or turning on lights—scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on before they even attempt to gain entry.

How To Keep Safe in Hambleton

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Hambleton, making up 35.4% of the total. While the district is safe, the following regional advice can help maintain personal security:

1. Be Mindful in Market Towns: When visiting busier centres like Northallerton or Thirsk during the evening, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid poorly lit car parks or alleyways.
2. Rural Property Vigilance: If you live in a more isolated part of the district, ensure that gates are kept locked and that your property is clearly visible from the road to deter trespassers.
3. Secure Agricultural Equipment: For those in the farming community, ensure high-value machinery is stored in locked buildings and consider GPS tracking for tractors and quad bikes.
4. Community Engagement: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or use community alert apps to stay informed about any recent suspicious activity in your specific village or town.
5. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue; reporting incidents promptly helps local police identify hotspots and prevent minor issues from escalating.