Newcastle upon Tyne Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne experiences an overall crime rate of 139.0 per 1,000 residents per year, with a property crime rate standing at 49.5 per 1,000. These figures place Newcastle upon Tyne above the national average for both overall crime (UK average: 93.4 per 1,000) and property crime (UK average: 33.2 per 1,000). The area's safety score is 69 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78. However, there is a positive trend, with the overall crime rate decreasing by 5.6% year-over-year, suggesting an improvement in local safety. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed analysis of crime patterns and trends within the area.

About Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, as a prominent Local Authority District, is characterised by its vibrant urban environment. Its crime statistics are influenced by a combination of factors typical of a major city. The area boasts a significant commercial core, a thriving nightlife, and a large student population drawn by its universities. These characteristics lead to high footfall, particularly in the city centre and entertainment districts, which can correlate with higher rates of certain crimes such as violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting.

Furthermore, Newcastle upon Tyne serves as a major transport hub, attracting a transient population of commuters and visitors. This constant movement of people, alongside areas of higher population density, can contribute to a crime rate that is above the national average. Economic factors, while complex, can also play a role in influencing crime rates within urban settings. Understanding these inherent characteristics helps explain why the area, despite a respectable safety score, experiences crime levels higher than the UK average.

Crime Type Analysis

An in-depth look at crime types in Newcastle upon Tyne reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 31.3% of all crimes, with a rate of 43.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 18.6% of incidents at 25.9 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most frequent crime, representing 10.4% of the total, with a rate of 14.4 per 1,000.

Property-related crime is a significant concern, with an overall rate of 49.5 per 1,000 residents, considerably higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses a range of offences including burglary (4.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.1 per 1,000), other theft (9.0 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (10.6 per 1,000), robbery (1.7 per 1,000), theft from the person (1.4 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (1.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a heightened need for vigilance and robust security measures to protect their properties and belongings.

Crime Trends in Newcastle upon Tyne

The overall crime rate in Newcastle upon Tyne has shown a positive trend, decreasing by 5.6% year-over-year. This indicates a general improvement in the area's safety landscape over the past 12 months. Looking at the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents was 12.6 in October 2024, gradually falling to a low of 10.4 in February 2025. Following this, there were some fluctuations, with a rise to 12.2 in May 2025 before settling at 11.9 in September 2025. While there are seasonal variations, such as slight increases in spring and summer months, the overall trajectory points towards a sustained reduction in criminal activity. This downward trend offers reassurance to residents, suggesting that efforts to improve safety are yielding results.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Newcastle upon Tyne to its neighbouring regions, its crime rate of 139.0 per 1,000 residents provides important regional context. North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, and Northumberland are all within the broader geographical area. As a major urban centre, Newcastle upon Tyne naturally experiences a higher crime rate compared to many of these often more suburban or rural neighbours. This difference is typical for large cities with greater population density, commercial activity, and transport hubs. Understanding these comparisons helps residents contextualise local crime figures within the wider regional safety landscape.

Protecting Your Home in Newcastle upon Tyne

Given Newcastle upon Tyne's property crime rate of 49.5 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for homeowners. While traditional CCTV systems can record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. The focus should shift from reactive recording to proactive deterrence.

Advanced security operating systems like scOS offer a different approach. Instead of merely notifying you after a break-in, scOS employs AI to detect threats at your property boundary, acting before an intrusion occurs. This multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between genuine threats and everyday occurrences like deliveries. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous responses—activating lights and engaging speakers—are designed to destroy the element of surprise and make potential burglars move on within their critical 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade, proactive security ensures that your property signals serious protection, significantly enhancing your home's safety against property-related crimes.