Newark and Sherwood Crime Rate

Newark and Sherwood recorded a crime rate of 84.6 per 1,000 residents over the past year, 7.0% below the UK average. While the area is generally safer than the national average, Other crime is higher — 92% above UK rates. This contrast highlights a combination of urban and rural dynamics, with certain sub-areas like Newark-on-Trent showing starkly elevated rates compared to safer towns such as Fiskerton.

Newark and Sherwood's crime profile is shaped by its blend of urban and rural landscapes. The urban core, particularly Newark-on-Trent, hosts retail centres and commuter hubs that drive shoplifting and vehicle crime. Meanwhile, rural areas like Fiskerton and Bleasby see lower crime due to sparse populations and limited public spaces. The area's economic diversity — from industrial estates to tourist attractions — creates varied risk profiles. For instance, higher 'Other crime' in urban areas may stem from transient populations, while rural burglary rates remain low due to isolated housing. This mix explains why some sub-areas are safer than the overall average.

The most striking finding is the 92% elevation in 'Other crime' (3.8 per 1,000 vs UK 2.0), which may reflect the area's mixed urban-rural character. Urban centres like Newark-on-Trent likely experience higher 'Other crime' due to concentrated populations and transient demographics, while rural areas like Fiskerton see lower rates. Shoplifting (9.1 per 1,000) is 21% above UK average, potentially linked to retail hubs in towns such as Newark. Conversely, vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000) is 30% below UK rates, due to lower commuter density and better-preserved rural roads. The sharp 80% YoY increase in robbery (0.7 per 1,000) is concerning, though still below UK average, and may relate to opportunistic crimes in transitional spaces between urban and rural areas.

Crime in Newark and Sherwood has remained stable (-1.0% YoY), but sharp spikes in specific categories are evident. Robbery rose 79.6% YoY — the fastest-growing crime type — despite remaining below UK average. This increase may correlate with seasonal factors, such as the peak in May 2025 (7.9 per 1,000/month), when longer evenings and tourist activity could create opportunities. Conversely, shoplifting fell 24% YoY, likely due to enhanced retail security measures. The trend highlights how localized factors can drive divergent outcomes within a broadly stable overall rate.

Newark and Sherwood's crime rate is 27% higher than Gedling but 35% lower than Mansfield. The area is 60% more crime-prone than Rushcliffe, likely due to Rushcliffe's lower population density and more evenly distributed housing. Conversely, Newark-on-Trent (163.7 per 1,000) is 93% more crime-prone than the average, reflecting the challenges of a larger urban centre, while Fiskerton (19.8 per 1,000) is the safest sub-area, benefiting from its rural isolation and low population density.

For areas with 'Other crime' 92% above UK average, proactive security systems like scOS offer tailored solutions. Its AI-powered boundary monitoring detects threats before they reach property perimeters, ideal for urban-rural interfaces where transient populations may increase vulnerability. The system's simultaneous multi-camera analysis ensures no blind spots, critical in mixed-use areas where crime can occur rapidly. By learning household patterns, scOS distinguishes regular visitors from potential threats, reducing false alarms while maintaining vigilance. This aligns with Newark and Sherwood's need to address elevated 'Other crime' without over-reliance on reactive measures.

How To Keep Safe in Newark and Sherwood

Residents should focus on mitigating risks associated with 'Other crime', which is 92% above UK average. In urban areas like Newark-on-Trent, securing vehicles in designated parking zones with visible locks can deter opportunistic theft. For those in mixed-use areas, reporting suspicious activity at community hubs — such as libraries or town centres — may help identify patterns. In rural parts like Fiskerton, maintaining visibility through outdoor lighting and securing garden access points can reduce vulnerabilities. Always ensure valuables are not left unattended in public spaces, particularly near transport links and retail centres.