Newark and Sherwood Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Newark and Sherwood

Newark and Sherwood demonstrates a crime rate of 85.0 per 1,000 residents per year, positioning it below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This is further reflected in its impressive safety score of 82 out of 100, which surpasses the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the area has experienced a stable crime trend, with a minor decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. These figures provide a reassuring context for residents and visitors, indicating a relatively secure environment within the district. The following sections will delve deeper into specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with neighbouring areas.

About Newark and Sherwood

Newark and Sherwood is a diverse local authority district in Nottinghamshire, home to a population of approximately 127,886 residents. Its landscape is a rich tapestry, blending historic market towns like Newark-on-Trent with numerous rural villages and significant natural heritage, including parts of Sherwood Forest. This mix of urban and rural characteristics inherently influences the crime statistics within the area.

The district's activities contribute to its unique crime profile. Newark-on-Trent, as a key commercial and transport hub with its A1 connections and railway station, experiences higher levels of retail-related crime, such as shoplifting, and some anti-social behaviour linked to its urban environment and nightlife. Tourism, particularly around historical sites and Sherwood Forest, also brings a transient population, which can occasionally correlate with certain types of offences. The more rural parts of the district, while generally very safe, might see isolated incidents of property crime. Population density varies significantly, with higher concentrations in the towns. Economic factors, including local employment opportunities and deprivation levels in specific pockets, can also play a role in influencing crime rates, contributing to the overall picture of safety and security in Newark and Sherwood.

Crime Type Analysis in Newark and Sherwood

An examination of crime statistics in Newark and Sherwood reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 30.8% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common issue, representing 18.4% of crimes at a rate of 15.7 per 1,000. Shoplifting completes the top three, making up 13.3% of the total with a rate of 11.3 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while personal safety and public order remain key concerns, the retail sector also faces significant challenges.

Looking at property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Newark and Sherwood records a rate of 33.4 per 1,000 people per year. This is very close to the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, criminal damage and arson stands at 8.0 per 1,000, other theft at 5.1 per 1,000, and vehicle crime at 3.8 per 1,000. Burglary occurs at a rate of 2.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a need for continued vigilance regarding property security, despite the overall crime rate being below the national average.

Crime Trends in Newark and Sherwood

Newark and Sherwood has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. The crime rate saw a dip towards the end of 2024 and early 2025, with figures of 7.5 in October, 7.3 in November, and 6.5 in December 2024, continuing to 6.5 in January and 5.9 in February 2025. This suggests a quieter period for crime during the winter months.

Following this, there was a gradual increase in crime rates through the spring and summer, reaching 6.9 in March, 7.1 in April, 7.9 in May, 7.8 in June, 7.8 in July, and 7.8 in August 2025. This seasonal rise is not uncommon, often correlating with warmer weather and increased outdoor activity. However, the trend concluded with a notable drop to 6.2 in September 2025. For residents, this stable year-over-year trend with moderate seasonal fluctuations indicates that while vigilance is always important, there haven't been significant alarming shifts in the overall crime landscape.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it's insightful to compare Newark and Sherwood with its neighbouring areas. Gedling, Mansfield, and Ashfield are nearby districts that present varying crime profiles. Mansfield and Ashfield typically exhibit higher crime rates than Newark and Sherwood, which is consistent with more urbanised areas. In contrast, Rushcliffe and Broxtowe often record lower crime figures, reflecting their generally more affluent and suburban characteristics.

Nottingham, as a major city, naturally has a significantly higher crime rate due to its larger population, diverse economy, and extensive nightlife. Newark and Sherwood's crime rate of 85.0 per 1,000 sits comfortably below the UK average, and when compared to these regional neighbours, it reinforces its position as a relatively safer district. This comparison helps residents understand the local crime landscape and appreciate the overall security within Newark and Sherwood.

Protecting Your Home in Newark and Sherwood

With Newark and Sherwood's property crime rate of 33.4 per 1,000 residents, which is comparable to the UK average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for residents and homeowners. While traditional security measures like CCTV cameras can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. The focus should always be on deterrence and prevention, stopping threats before they escalate.

Modern solutions, such as an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, offer a more advanced approach. Unlike reactive systems that merely notify you after a break-in, scOS provides proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on real threats, avoiding false alarms. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, can destroy the element of surprise, often causing potential intruders to move on within the critical first 60 seconds. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection and can significantly enhance your property's security.