Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) Crime Rate

Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) is a highly desirable and secure urban settlement, boasting an overall crime rate of just 47.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 90/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a notable year-over-year decrease of -15.5%. Property crime is also well below the national average at 23.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK benchmark of 32.9. These statistics reflect a peaceful community where criminal activity is infrequent and safety is a consistent feature of daily life. For the 5,809 residents of Southwell, the area offers a level of security that is far superior to many other towns in the Newark and Sherwood local authority.

Southwell (Newark and Sherwood) is a very low-crime area, with the top three categories being violence and sexual offences (25.5%), criminal damage and arson (17.6%), and anti-social behaviour (17.6%). While violence and sexual offences are the most common, the actual volume is low at 71 incidents per year. Property-related crime is also minimal, with a rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents, well below the UK average. This total includes 49 cases of criminal damage and arson, 22 instances of 'other' theft, 21 burglaries, and 21 shoplifting offences. Vehicle crime is particularly rare, with only 10 reported cases. For homeowners, the low burglary and vehicle crime rates contribute to the area's exceptional safety score, though the prevalence of criminal damage suggests a need for basic property protection.

The crime trend in Southwell is very encouraging, with a notable -15.5% decrease in total incidents over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained low for most of the year, with a significant low point in April (2.2 crimes per 1,000). While there were minor increases in March (5.5) and June (5.3), the overall trajectory has been downward, with October recording 4.7 crimes per 1,000. This sustained reduction in an already low-crime area is a strong indicator of effective community policing and a high level of social cohesion. For residents, this means a consistently improving safety environment and a very low risk of crime compared to previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Southwell (Newark and Sherwood)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Southwell, though the overall volume is low. Maintaining personal safety and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to preserve the town's secure environment.

• Be Mindful in the Evening: While Southwell is very safe, it is always wise to stick to well-lit paths when walking home after dark and avoid poorly lit shortcuts or quiet areas.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given that criminal damage is one of the more common offences, ensure that your property is well-lit and that any gates or fences are kept in good repair.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Active community participation is key to Southwell's safety. Report any anti-social behaviour or unusual activity to local authorities promptly.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Although vehicle crime is rare, always ensure that valuables are removed and windows are closed, especially if parking in public areas or on the street overnight.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Consider basic smart home features like timer lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away, further deterring the low risk of opportunistic theft.

Crime in Southwell follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 38% of incidents in both periods. This is likely due to retail activity and the presence of visitors in the town centre. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including public order and anti-social behaviour—increasing to 57% of all recorded incidents. This trend continues into the night (12am - 6am), where 'other' crimes remain high at 46%. Notably, property-focused crimes reach their highest proportional peaks during the night, with burglary at 26% and vehicle crime at 20%. This suggests that while total crime is low, the relative risk to property and vehicles is highest when the town is at its quietest.

In the local context, Southwell's crime rate of 47.9 per 1,000 people is very low, although it is higher than some of its much smaller neighbours. Fiskerton (Newark and Sherwood) recorded an even lower rate of 21.5, while the tiny villages of Halam, Upton, and Edingley all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. These 0.0 rates are typical for very small, rural parish areas with minimal through-traffic or commercial activity. For a town with Southwell's population and range of local amenities, its safety profile is exceptional and places it among the most secure settlements in the broader region. Residents can feel confident that they live in one of the safest parts of the county.

While Southwell is a very safe area, the property crime that does occur—particularly criminal damage and burglary—can be distressing. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or video doorbells are reactive, meaning they only provide footage of a crime after it has already happened. For Southwell residents who want to maintain their high standards of security, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from ever taking place. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the best way to ensure your Southwell home remains a safe haven.