Belford Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Belford, Northumberland, reveal a crime rate of 48.4 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively less safe environment. While fluctuations occur month-to-month, the overall trend has remained relatively stable. Understanding these figures and the factors contributing to them is crucial for residents and local authorities seeking to improve safety and security within the area.

The crime landscape in Belford, Northumberland, presents a concerning picture, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent issue, accounting for 28.4% of recorded incidents. Criminal damage and arson, alongside Public Order offences, are also significant contributors, each representing 14.7% of the total. While instances of burglary and vehicle crime are comparatively lower, they still contribute to the overall crime statistics. The prevalence of these crime types is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the area's rural location, proximity to larger towns, and the demographic profile of its population. Further investigation into the underlying causes is necessary to inform targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Belford have demonstrated a stable trend over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, with a slight increase of 1.1% year-on-year. Monthly crime rates have fluctuated throughout the year, with peaks observed in February, March, June, October, and November. Notably, the rate dropped significantly in June, and spiked in November. Despite this variability, the overall annual rate remains consistent, suggesting a baseline level of criminal activity within the area.

How To Keep Safe in Belford

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Secure your property thoroughly, ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing motion-sensor lighting to deter potential criminals. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to minimise the risk of theft. Community vigilance and proactive security measures are key to improving safety in Belford.

Crime in Belford exhibits a fluctuating pattern throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the afternoon (17%) and night (19%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent overnight (31%). The highest proportion of 'Other' crime occurs in the evening (55%), suggesting potential links to social activities. Theft is most common during afternoon hours (48%). Understanding these temporal trends can inform targeted preventative measures and increase community awareness.

Comparing Belford to its neighbours, Bamburgh and Lowick report no recorded crimes, demonstrating a significantly lower crime level. Seahouses and North Sunderland, however, mirror Belford’s rate closely at 48.3 per 1,000, indicating that Belford’s crime statistics are typical for similar communities in the region. Haggerston also reports no crime, highlighting a disparity in safety levels within Northumberland.

Traditional CCTV systems often simply record footage after a burglary has occurred. With Belford’s crime statistics showing a concerning level of violence and criminal damage, proactive protection is vital. Consider an AI-powered system like scOS, which uses multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to detect threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The system’s pattern learning, recognizing your family and deliveries, minimizes false alarms, while autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers create an element of surprise that often deters potential intruders. This is a shift from reactive security to a preventative approach, offering a higher level of protection than conventional systems.