Newark and Sherwood Crime Rate

Newark and Sherwood maintains a relatively positive safety profile within the UK. The district's overall crime rate stands at 84.4 per 1,000 residents, which is comfortably below the UK national average of 93.1. This is reflected in a robust safety score of 82/100, positioning the area as a generally secure place to live and work. Recently, the crime trend has remained stable, experiencing a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.7%. This stability suggests that while crime persists, it is not currently escalating, providing a level of predictability for local residents and business owners. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of the specific challenges and trends within the Newark and Sherwood local authority area.

About Newark and Sherwood

Newark and Sherwood is a diverse local authority district in Nottinghamshire, combining historic market towns like Newark-on-Trent and Southwell with sprawling rural landscapes and the legendary Sherwood Forest. The area's crime profile is influenced by its strategic location along the A1 and A46 corridors, which facilitate high volumes of transient traffic and commercial activity. Major employers in logistics, retail, and manufacturing are concentrated in the urban centres, while the rural economy is driven by agriculture and tourism. The district's population density varies significantly, from the dense residential and commercial hubs of Newark to sparsely populated villages. Tourism, particularly around Sherwood Forest and Southwell Minster, introduces a seasonal transient population that can impact crime statistics, especially regarding opportunistic theft. Economic factors are varied, with pockets of both significant affluence and urban deprivation, creating a complex socio-economic environment that shapes the local safety landscape and crime rates.

Newark and Sherwood Crime Breakdown

The crime landscape in Newark and Sherwood is primarily defined by three major categories. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crime, accounting for 31.2% of all incidents with a rate of 26.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 18.4%, while shoplifting is the third most common offence at 13.1%. These figures suggest that while personal safety is a primary concern, retail-related crime is also a significant factor in the district's urban centres.

Property crime in Newark and Sherwood, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably close to the UK average of 32.9, indicating that residents face a typical level of risk regarding their homes and belongings. Specifically, the area saw 1,018 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 466 vehicle crimes, and 346 burglaries over the last year. For homeowners and residents, this highlights the importance of maintaining robust physical security and remaining vigilant against opportunistic theft, which remains a persistent element of the local crime profile.

Newark and Sherwood Crime Trends

The crime trend in Newark and Sherwood is currently classified as stable, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.7%. An analysis of the monthly data from the past year reveals a clear seasonal pattern. Crime rates were at their lowest in the winter months, dipping to 5.9 per 1,000 in February 2025. However, as the weather improved, activity increased steadily, peaking during the summer months from May to August 2025, where rates hovered between 7.8 and 7.9 per 1,000.

This summer surge is a common phenomenon in many UK districts, often linked to increased outdoor activity and tourism. The rate then saw a notable drop in September 2025 to 6.2 before rising again slightly in October. For residents, this stability is reassuring, suggesting that crime is not spiralling. However, the consistent summer peak indicates a period where extra vigilance regarding home and personal security is particularly beneficial. Understanding these monthly fluctuations allows for better personal planning and proactive security measures during traditionally higher-risk periods.

When examining the regional context, Newark and Sherwood's crime rate of 84.4 per 1,000 people sits in the middle of its neighbours. It is significantly safer than Ashfield, which records a much higher rate of 99.7. Conversely, Rushcliffe is notably quieter, with a rate of only 51.5 per 1,000. Interestingly, several nearby areas including Gedling, Mansfield, Nottingham, and Broxtowe show reported rates of 0.0 in this specific dataset; while these figures likely reflect differences in reporting boundaries or data lags, they highlight Newark and Sherwood as a primary administrative hub with transparent and active reporting. For those considering the region, Newark and Sherwood offers a balanced safety profile compared to the more urbanised Ashfield.

Home Security in Newark and Sherwood

With a property crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 residents, homeowners in Newark and Sherwood should consider the limitations of traditional security measures. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide you with high-definition footage of a crime that has already occurred. While useful for evidence, they do little to prevent the emotional and financial distress of a break-in. In a district where burglary and vehicle crime account for a combined 7.5% of all offences, a shift toward proactive protection is essential.

The scOS operating system represents a significant advancement in home safety by focusing on prevention rather than just recording. Using multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. Unlike DIY systems that might alert you to a delivery person or a stray animal, scOS learns your routines and only intervenes when a genuine threat is detected. By activating autonomous responses like lights and speakers the moment a trespasser is identified, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, effectively preventing crime before it happens.

How To Keep Safe in Newark and Sherwood

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in the Newark and Sherwood area. While these statistics include a wide range of incidents, personal safety remains a priority for residents.

To enhance your personal safety across the district, consider the following advice:

• Stick to well-lit, busy routes when walking at night, especially in the larger town centres like Newark or Ollerton, and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleyways.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using public transport or visiting nightlife venues; keeping your mobile phone and valuables out of sight can reduce the risk of opportunistic incidents.
• If you frequently walk alone, consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via a smartphone app until you reach your destination.
• In any situation where you feel uncomfortable or threatened, head toward a 'Safe Space' such as a staffed shop, petrol station, or well-lit public building.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social activity to the local police, as community intelligence is vital for effective patrolling.