Newcastle upon Tyne Crime Rate

Newcastle upon Tyne, a major regional hub, has an overall crime rate of 138.0 per 1,000 people. This figure is considerably higher than the UK national average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 70/100. While this score is lower than the UK average of 79/100, it is not uncommon for large cities with significant commercial and entertainment districts. Encouragingly, the area is seeing a downward trend in crime, with a 5.5% decrease year-over-year. This suggests that while crime levels remain elevated, local initiatives may be having a positive impact. Understanding the specific nature of these statistics is crucial for residents and visitors to the city, as it helps in identifying areas where extra caution or security measures may be beneficial.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a major urban local authority in North East England, characterised by a vibrant mix of commercial, residential, and industrial zones. As a regional capital, the area's crime statistics are influenced by its role as a major employment hub and its famous nightlife, particularly around the Bigg Market and Quayside. The presence of two large universities brings a significant student population, while the city's transport infrastructure, including a major international airport and central rail station, creates a high volume of transient visitors. These factors, combined with high population density in the city centre, contribute to a crime rate that is higher than the national average. Economic disparities across the district also play a role in the distribution of crime types, with commercial areas seeing higher retail-related offences, while residential suburbs experience different challenges.

Newcastle upon Tyne's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.4% of all reported incidents at a rate of 43.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, representing 18.5% of total crime. Shoplifting also features prominently, making up 10.3% of the total. When considering property crime collectively—including burglary, robbery, theft, and criminal damage—the rate is 48.6 per 1,000 people. This is substantially higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a heightened risk of opportunistic crime, particularly in urban and commercial areas. The high rate of criminal damage and arson (10.3 per 1,000) also suggests that property-related offences are a significant concern across the local authority.

Crime in Newcastle upon Tyne is currently on a downward trajectory, with a 5.5% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a degree of fluctuation, with the crime rate peaking in October at 12.6 per 1,000 and reaching its lowest point in February at 10.4 per 1,000. There was a noticeable increase in activity during the spring and summer months, particularly in May (12.2) and July (12.1), which may be linked to increased seasonal footfall in the city centre. However, the overall trend remains positive. For residents, this consistent reduction is an encouraging sign that the city is becoming safer, although the total volume of crime remains high enough to warrant continued vigilance and investment in personal and property security.

Newcastle upon Tyne serves as the primary urban centre for the North East, which is reflected in its crime statistics when compared to neighbouring areas. Local authorities such as North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, and Sunderland all report lower crime rates, as do the more rural counties of Northumberland and County Durham. This disparity is typical for a regional capital that attracts high volumes of visitors for work, shopping, and nightlife. While Newcastle's crime rate of 138.0 per 1,000 is higher than its neighbours, it also provides the most significant economic and cultural activity in the region, creating a unique environment where urban safety management is a priority.

With a property crime rate of 48.6 per 1,000 people in Newcastle upon Tyne, homeowners should look beyond basic security measures. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, merely providing evidence after a burglary or act of vandalism has occurred. In a high-activity urban environment, proactive protection is essential. The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime by identifying threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between family members and potential intruders, triggering autonomous responses like lights and audio warnings to deter criminals before they can act. This is particularly effective in Newcastle, where criminal damage and burglary are persistent issues. By investing in a system that prevents rather than just records, residents can significantly reduce their risk and enjoy greater peace of mind in the city.

How To Keep Safe in Newcastle upon Tyne

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type across the Newcastle upon Tyne local authority area. To stay safe, residents and visitors should be particularly aware when navigating the city centre during evening and night-time hours. It is advisable to stick to well-lit areas with high footfall and use reputable taxi services or public transport when travelling after dark. If you are a student or new to the area, familiarise yourself with the 'Safe Haven' points and university security initiatives. Anti-social behaviour is also common, so avoiding confrontations and reporting incidents to local authorities can help improve neighbourhood safety. For homeowners, the city's high property crime rate means that investing in robust physical security and visible deterrents is essential. Always ensure that windows and doors are locked, and consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about regional safety issues.