Northumberland Crime Rate

The latest data for Northumberland shows an overall crime rate of 91.4 per 1,000 people, which is remarkably close to the UK average of 91.7. The district currently holds a safety score of 79/100, aligning perfectly with the national average. Over the past year, the crime trend has remained stable, with a slight decrease of 4.2% in total reported incidents. This suggests that Northumberland is a relatively balanced area in terms of safety, benefiting from its large rural expanses while managing the typical challenges found in its urban centres. The data period from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates a consistent safety profile, making it a standard benchmark for crime statistics in the North East of England.

Northumberland is a vast and diverse local authority, encompassing everything from densely populated urban centres in the south-east to expansive, rural landscapes and coastal towns. This geographic variety significantly influences its crime statistics. The area's economy is supported by a mix of agriculture, tourism—particularly along the coast and near Hadrian’s Wall—and industrial hubs. Major employers in sectors like manufacturing and energy contribute to a stable resident population, though tourism introduces a transient element during peak seasons. The higher population density in towns like Ashington and Blyth often accounts for a larger share of the region's anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Conversely, the more remote rural areas face different challenges, such as agricultural theft. The overall crime rate of 91.4 per 1,000 is closely aligned with the UK average, reflecting a balance between its safe rural districts and more active urban settlements.

In Northumberland, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 35.9% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 18.4%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.4%. Together, these three categories account for nearly two-thirds of all crime in the district. Property crime is another significant area of concern for residents, with a combined rate of 28.3 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (8.4%), other theft (5.3%), and burglary (3.7%). Vehicle crime also accounts for 3.0% of the total. For homeowners, the prevalence of criminal damage and burglary suggests that physical property security remains a priority. While the burglary rate of 3.4 per 1,000 is relatively low compared to major cities, the impact on victims remains high, reinforcing the need for effective deterrence and protection strategies across both urban and rural settings.

Monthly crime trends in Northumberland for the period Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 show a relatively stable pattern with some seasonal variation. The crime rate per 1,000 people started at 6.6 in December 2024 and reached a peak of 8.6 in August 2025. There was a general increase during the spring and summer months, with rates rising from 6.4 in February to 8.5 in May. Toward the end of the period, the rate began to settle, ending at 7.6 in November 2025. The overall year-over-year change is a decrease of 4.2%, which suggests that despite monthly fluctuations, the long-term trend is positive. For residents, this indicates that the risk of crime is not escalating and that local safety initiatives may be having a beneficial impact on the community.

Northumberland's crime rate of 91.4 per 1,000 people provides a significant contrast to its immediate neighbours. In the provided data, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, and Sunderland all show crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000. Similarly, the Scottish Borders also reported a 0.0 crime rate. While these zero-rated figures may reflect specific data reporting periods, they highlight Northumberland's unique position as a large local authority that bridges the gap between major metropolitan hubs and quiet border regions. For those considering the area, Northumberland offers a safety profile that is typical of the UK average, situated between the high-activity urban centres of Tyne and Wear and the very low-rate rural areas to the north.

Homeowners in Northumberland should consider their security in the context of a property crime rate of 28.3 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than many urban areas, the risk of burglary and criminal damage remains a reality. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, often act as 'digital witnesses,' recording a crime after it has occurred. For true prevention, a proactive approach is necessary. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour—such as someone loitering or checking car doors—and intervene autonomously. This might include activating high-intensity lighting or delivering a voice warning, which often causes a potential intruder to flee before any damage is done. In a county with many isolated or suburban properties, this autonomous response is invaluable, providing professional-grade protection that doesn't rely on the homeowner being present or awake to react to a notification. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection is the most effective way to secure a Northumberland home.

How To Keep Safe in Northumberland

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Northumberland, accounting for nearly 36% of all incidents. While many of these are not random acts, staying aware of your surroundings in busy town centres is always advisable. To stay safe, try to avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night, especially near nightlife hubs. Anti-social behaviour is also common, particularly in urban residential areas; residents are encouraged to report persistent issues to local authorities to help target police patrols effectively. For those living in more rural parts of the county, securing outbuildings and expensive agricultural equipment is crucial, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft. Always ensure that vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed, even when parked on your own driveway. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can be an excellent way to stay informed about specific crime trends in your immediate community and share safety tips with neighbours.