Acomb Crime Rate

Acomb, Northumberland, presents a concerning crime picture. With a rate of 151.4 crimes per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025, the area experiences a significantly higher crime burden than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This places Acomb amongst the least safe locations in the county, as reflected in its safety score of 64/100. Over the period, Acomb has seen a 5.2% year-on-year increase in crime, indicating a worsening trend that warrants attention. Understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in Acomb and the factors contributing to this elevated rate is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

The crime landscape of Acomb is shaped by its small, rural population and proximity to larger towns. While the overall crime rate is significantly higher than the UK average, the specific types of crime contributing to this figure provide valuable context. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of recorded incidents, accounting for 41.3% of all crimes. This is followed by shoplifting (14.4%), and anti-social behaviour (12.4%). The presence of local businesses and a relatively close-knit community likely contributes to the incidence of shoplifting, while the small population size can amplify the impact of individual incidents on the overall statistics. The rate of criminal damage and arson is also above the national average, potentially reflecting issues related to rural living and occasional isolated incidents. The relatively low number of burglaries (3.8 per 1,000) might be attributable to the area's generally low population density and community vigilance.

The rising crime rate in Acomb, increasing by 5.2% year-on-year, is a cause for concern. Examining the monthly data from January to December 2025 reveals fluctuating levels of incidents, but an overall upward trend. The highest crime rates per month were observed in July, August, November and December, all exceeding 15 per 1,000 residents. Notably, February saw a significantly lower rate of 9.2 per 1,000, suggesting potential seasonal influences or temporary interventions. This consistent increase underscores the need for proactive crime prevention strategies and increased community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Acomb

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Acomb, it’s important to be vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night where possible, and stick to well-lit routes. Shoplifting is also a concern, so be mindful of your belongings when visiting local businesses. Secure your vehicles, particularly overnight, as vehicle crime does occur. Finally, consider joining or supporting local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility and neighbourhood awareness. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Crimes in Acomb tend to follow a distinct pattern throughout the day. Burglaries are most common during the night (12am - 6am), with a significant proportion (28%) occurring during this period. Theft also sees a notable peak in the evening hours (6pm - 12am), likely linked to increased activity and foot traffic. Vehicle crime is also concentrated overnight (11pm-6am), suggesting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences often see a rise during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), potentially linked to school dismissals and increased activity in public spaces.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Acomb's crime rate stands out. Hexham, a larger town nearby, has a considerably lower rate of 69.6 per 1,000, while Humshaugh and Corbridge exhibit even more favourable statistics at 25.2 and 38.7 per 1,000 respectively. Haydon Bridge also demonstrates a lower rate at 42.6 per 1,000. This significant disparity highlights the unique challenges Acomb faces and underscores the need for targeted safety initiatives.

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