Newport (Isle of Wight) Crime Rate

Newport (Isle of Wight) presents a higher crime profile with an overall crime rate of 134.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the UK national average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 68/100, indicating that while it is the island's principal urban and commercial centre, it faces more security challenges than its rural neighbours. The crime trend in Newport is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year increase of 2.0%. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, provides a detailed look at the types of incidents occurring locally, helping residents and businesses understand their security environment in the context of the island's capital.

In Newport (Isle of Wight), the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 13.1% and public order offences at 11.1%. These figures indicate that social and interpersonal issues, along with commercial theft, are the most frequent challenges for local law enforcement in this urban centre.

Property-related crime in Newport is notable, with an overall rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people. This category includes shoplifting (13.1%), criminal damage and arson (6.0%), other theft (5.3%), and burglary (1.5%). Vehicle crime is relatively infrequent, accounting for only 0.9% of total crime. For homeowners, the low burglary and vehicle crime rates are positive, but the high volume of shoplifting and 'other theft' suggests that commercial areas and public spaces are frequent targets for opportunistic crime. Residents should be aware that while the risk of home invasion is low, the combined impact of theft and criminal damage remains a factor in the local security environment.

The crime trend in Newport has remained stable over the last 12 months, with a slight 2.0% increase in total reported offences. Monthly data reveals that the crime rate was at its lowest in January 2025 (9.0 per 1,000) and peaked in July 2025 at 13.3 per 1,000, followed closely by August at 13.2.

The overall trend shows a consistent security environment with a notable increase in activity during the summer months. The rate remained above 11.0 per 1,000 from May through September, suggesting a seasonal peak that may be linked to increased footfall in the town centre. For residents and businesses, this stability is reassuring, though the summer spike indicates a need for continued vigilance during the busier times of the year.

How To Keep Safe in Newport (Isle of Wight)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Newport, representing over 42% of all incidents. While these statistics are broad, it is always wise to prioritise personal safety. When walking in the town centre or near transport hubs, especially after dark, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings.

To stay safe, consider walking with a companion when possible and keeping your mobile phone charged and accessible. Shoplifting is the second most common issue, so business owners should ensure they have robust security and visible deterrents in place. For residents, ensuring that side gates are locked and that valuable items are not left in plain sight through windows can prevent opportunistic 'other theft'. By taking these small, actionable steps and staying connected with the local community, you can contribute to the overall safety and security of Newport. Always report suspicious activity to the local authorities to help maintain a secure environment for everyone.

In Newport, the timing of criminal activity shows distinct patterns. Shoplifting and theft-related offences are particularly prevalent during the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), where they account for over 50% of all reported incidents in those periods. This aligns with the town's status as a busy commercial centre.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am) and night (12am-6am), the focus shifts significantly. 'Other' crimes, which include violence and anti-social behaviour, become the dominant category, accounting for 59% and 51% of offences respectively. Burglary also peaks during the night-time hours at 17%. These patterns indicate that while property and commercial crimes are daytime concerns, social and interpersonal issues are more likely to occur during the evening and night. Understanding these time-based risks can help residents and business owners tailor their security measures accordingly.

In the local context of the Isle of Wight, Newport's crime rate of 134.0 per 1,000 is the highest among its immediate neighbours. Nearby settlements like Wootton and Cowes report significantly lower rates, both around 48 per 1,000. Further afield, rural areas like Merstone and Rookley show a 0.0 recorded rate in this specific dataset. This disparity highlights Newport's status as the island's primary urban hub, where higher population density and a concentrated commercial sector naturally lead to more frequent crime reporting compared to the surrounding suburban and rural communities.

In Newport, where the property crime rate is 37.6 per 1,000 people, residents and business owners need to consider the effectiveness of their security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, often leaving you with nothing more than footage of an event that has already occurred.

For those seeking a higher standard of protection, scOS offers a proactive alternative. As an AI-powered home security operating system, scOS doesn't just record crime—it works to prevent it. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, the system can identify potential threats before they reach your door. Features like DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or speakers—ensure that intruders are identified and discouraged instantly. In an urban environment like Newport, where shoplifting and 'other theft' are common, having a system that actively discourages opportunistic criminals at the property line is the most effective way to ensure your premises remain safe.