Northumberland Crime Rate

Northumberland presents a balanced safety profile with an overall crime rate of 91.4 per 1,000 residents, which is almost perfectly aligned with the UK average of 91.6. The county holds a safety score of 79/100, matching the national average and reflecting its mix of safe rural expanses and more active urban pockets. Recent data indicates a stable trend with a slight decrease of 3.7% year-over-year, suggesting that crime is well-managed across the region. As a vast county with diverse demographics, Northumberland offers a high quality of life, but like any region, it has specific crime patterns that residents should be aware of. The following analysis explores these statistics in detail to help you understand the local safety landscape.

Northumberland is a unique local authority area characterised by its vast geographical spread, ranging from densely populated urban centres in the southeast to expansive rural landscapes and the Northumberland National Park. This mix significantly influences local crime statistics. The county's economy is diverse, featuring traditional industries, a growing tourism sector attracted by its coastline and heritage sites, and major employers in sectors like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. The transient population of tourists can influence crime rates in specific hotspots during peak seasons. Conversely, the rural nature of much of the county presents different challenges, such as isolated properties that may be more vulnerable to specific types of property crime. The socio-economic profile varies across the district, with some areas experiencing post-industrial challenges while others remain affluent, all of which contribute to the overall safety score of 79/100 and a crime rate that aligns closely with the UK national average.

Crime in Northumberland is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 35.5% of all reported incidents, occurring at a rate of 32.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, making up 18.5% of reports, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.4%. When looking at property-related crime—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—the overall rate for the county is 28.3 per 1,000 people. This is slightly below the UK average for property crime (32.2), suggesting a relatively secure environment for homeowners. However, with over 1,100 burglaries and 900 vehicle crimes reported annually, residents should not be complacent. The high proportion of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage highlights the importance of visible security measures to deter opportunistic offences and maintain the integrity of residential and commercial properties.

The crime trend in Northumberland is currently stable, having seen a modest decrease of 3.7% over the last twelve months. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates typically fluctuate between 6.4 and 8.6 per 1,000 residents. The year began with lower activity in January (6.9) and February (6.4), before rising steadily through the spring. A peak was reached in August at 8.6 per 1,000, which is a common pattern in areas with high summer tourism. Rates remained relatively high through the autumn before dropping significantly to 6.6 in December. This overall stability, coupled with a slight downward trajectory, suggests that Northumberland remains a consistently safe region, with no evidence of emerging crime waves or significant shifts in the safety of its communities.

Northumberland's crime rate of 91.4 per 1,000 people provides an interesting contrast to the surrounding region. It sits adjacent to the major urban centres of Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Gateshead, and North and South Tyneside. While some comparative data for these areas might show recorded rates as 0.0, they are in reality much busier metropolitan hubs with higher crime densities. Northumberland also borders the Scottish Borders to the north, which shares its more rural, lower-crime characteristics. For those looking for a balance between access to the North East's major cities and a more secure, less congested living environment, Northumberland serves as a vital transition zone, offering significantly more peace of mind than the core urban areas of Tyne and Wear.

With a property crime rate of 28.3 per 1,000 in Northumberland, protecting your home and assets is a sensible priority. While this rate is lower than the UK average, the county's varied geography—from isolated rural dwellings to suburban streets—requires a nuanced approach to security. Traditional reactive systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarms, often only provide evidence after a break-in has occurred. For true prevention, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is recommended. scOS monitors your property boundaries 24/7, using intelligent algorithms to detect intruders before they attempt entry. It can distinguish between a delivery driver, a neighbour, or a suspicious stranger, only alerting you when a real threat is present. In a county like Northumberland, where police response times can vary based on location, having an autonomous system that can activate lights or sirens to deter a criminal instantly provides a critical layer of defence that recording-only systems simply cannot offer.

How To Keep Safe in Northumberland

With violence and sexual offences being the most frequently reported crime type in Northumberland, personal safety and awareness are paramount for residents across the county.

1. Be Mindful in Town Centres: When visiting busier urban areas like Blyth or Ashington, especially during evening hours, stay alert to your surroundings and avoid poorly lit or isolated shortcuts.
2. Secure Your Perimeter: Given that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are common, ensuring your home has clear boundaries, such as well-maintained fences and motion-activated lighting, can discourage opportunistic incidents.
3. Rural Vigilance: If you live in a more isolated part of the county, be aware that help may be further away. Join local Farm Watch or Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about suspicious activity in your area.
4. Vehicle Safety: Although vehicle crime is relatively low, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area. Never leave tools or valuables inside, as these can be targets for opportunistic thieves.
5. Proactive Home Security: Consider installing an AI-powered security system that monitors your property line. Detecting a potential intruder before they reach your door is the most effective way to prevent crime in both urban and rural settings.