Whitley Bay Crime Rate

About Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay, with a population of 36,755, records an overall crime rate of 75.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1 per 1,000, contributing to a strong safety score of 84 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 78. Recent trends indicate a stable crime rate, with a marginal 1.4% increase year-over-year. This report provides a detailed overview of crime in Whitley Bay, offering insights into specific crime types, trends, and practical safety advice.

Crime Breakdown in Whitley Bay

In Whitley Bay, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 29.9% of all incidents, with a rate of 22.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most frequent, making up 17.0% of crimes (12.8 per 1,000), while Shoplifting constitutes 16.9% (12.7 per 1,000). Property-related crimes, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, are recorded at a rate of 30.6 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this breakdown highlights the importance of personal safety, awareness of anti-social behaviour, and securing properties against various forms of theft and burglary.

Crime Trends in Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight 1.4% increase year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, with a low of 4.5 in February 2025 and peaks of 7.4 in July and August 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overarching trend indicates a relatively stable environment over the past year. This stable trend suggests that while crime remains a concern, there hasn't been a significant increase, allowing residents to maintain their current vigilance and security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Whitley Bay

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Whitley Bay, accounting for 29.9% of all reported incidents, it is important to prioritise personal safety.

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Always pay attention to people and situations around you, especially when walking alone or in less-populated areas, particularly in town centres and during evenings.
2. Travel in groups if possible: When out in the evening, try to travel with friends or family, particularly in areas known for nightlife or busy commercial zones.
3. Plan your routes: Know your way to and from destinations, and stick to well-lit, busy paths. Avoid shortcuts through poorly lit or secluded areas, especially near the seafront.
4. Report suspicious activity: If you notice anything unusual or feel unsafe, report it to the local authorities immediately.

Crime Time Patterns in Whitley Bay

Crime patterns in Whitley Bay show theft as a significant concern during the day, shifting to a more varied landscape in the evening and night. In the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft accounts for 40% and 43% of crimes respectively, alongside burglary and vehicle crime. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes dominate at 45%, with theft, vehicle crime, and burglary also present. Night-time (12am-6am) sees vehicle crime becoming more prominent at 43%, with 'Other' crimes and burglary also notable. This suggests a shift from daytime theft to night-time property and vehicle-related offences.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Whitley Bay, with a crime rate of 75.3 per 1,000, is positioned within a varied local crime landscape. It has a higher crime rate than Shiremoor (64.1 per 1,000) but is safer than Tynemouth (131.6 per 1,000). It is also comparable to Seaton Sluice (79.4 per 1,000) and Backworth (78.7 per 1,000). This comparison suggests that Whitley Bay experiences a moderate crime rate within its immediate vicinity, generally safer than larger urban centres but slightly higher than less densely populated areas.

Protecting Your Home in Whitley Bay

Understanding Whitley Bay's property crime rate of 30.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the UK average, highlights the importance of robust home security. While traditional CCTV systems merely record incidents after they occur, an advanced solution like scOS offers proactive protection. Instead of providing footage of a burglary, scOS's AI detects threats at your property boundary, preventing crime before it escalates. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, and features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning help distinguish real threats from routine activity, reducing false alarms. This autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, creates an element of surprise that often deters potential intruders within the critical 60-second decision window. Opting for professional-grade, proactive security like scOS transforms your home from a target to a deterrent, offering true peace of mind.