Scarborough Crime Rate

Scarborough has a crime rate of 152.3 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This places Scarborough as a less safe area compared to the national average, with a safety score of 67 out of 100, whereas the UK average sits at 79. Over the data period, there has been a noticeable increase in crime, rising by 11.9% year-on-year. This upward trend warrants attention and proactive measures to enhance community safety. Understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in Scarborough is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and providing informed advice to residents.

Scarborough’s crime statistics reveal a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 34.5% of all crimes recorded in the period from January 2025 to December 2025. These offences encompass a range of incidents, highlighting concerns within the community. Anti-social behaviour represents the second most common crime, reflecting challenges related to public order and disruption. Shoplifting also contributes significantly, indicating issues within the retail sector. Overall property crime, at a rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents, underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance. The prevalence of these crimes, alongside others, suggests a combination of factors including local demographics, economic conditions, and community dynamics are at play.

Crime in Scarborough has seen a concerning increase of 11.9% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals a fluctuating, but generally upward, trend. January 2025 saw a rate of 9.3 per 1,000, which steadily rose to 13.2 per 1,000 in December 2025. Peaks were observed in May (13.9 per 1,000) and July (15.1 per 1,000). This consistent increase suggests underlying factors are contributing to rising crime levels, requiring further investigation and targeted interventions to mitigate the trend.

How To Keep Safe in Scarborough

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit routes and consider travelling in groups. With shoplifting being a significant concern, be vigilant when shopping and keep valuables secure. Secure your vehicle by parking in well-lit areas and ensuring all windows and doors are locked. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, even if it seems minor. Finally, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community vigilance and support.

Crime in Scarborough exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most likely to occur in the late evening and early morning hours (between 12am and 6am), representing 16% and 11% of incidents respectively. Theft is more prevalent during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (12pm-6pm). Vehicle crime spikes overnight, between 11pm and 6am, accounting for a significant proportion of reported incidents. Overall, the evening hours (6pm-12am) see a larger proportion of crime, with other offences being particularly prominent during this period.

Scarborough’s crime rate is higher than several nearby areas. Seamer (Scarborough) has a crime rate of 63.6 per 1,000, East Ayton and West Ayton report 40.6 per 1,000, and Scalby registers 46.4 per 1,000. However, Gristhorpe demonstrates a notably lower rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting a significant disparity in crime levels within the region. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing, but actively preventing crime is another. scOS offers a proactive approach. Its multi-camera intelligence continuously monitors your property boundary, detecting potential threats before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises familiar faces – deliveries, family members – minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS, with its lights and speakers, creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders within those crucial first 60 seconds – the timeframe most burglars decide whether to proceed. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection like scOS signals a serious commitment to safety and prevention.