Blyth (Northumberland) Crime Rate

Blyth currently has a crime rate of 136.1 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 70/100, compared to the national average of 79/100. Despite these figures, the area is showing an encouraging downward trend, with a 7.8% decrease in total crime year-over-year. As a coastal town with a mix of residential areas and commercial zones, Blyth's crime profile is influenced by its urban nature. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice to help the community stay informed and secure.

Crime Breakdown in Blyth (Northumberland)

Blyth's crime statistics are primarily driven by three categories: violence and sexual offences (33.0%), anti-social behaviour (17.6%), and shoplifting (11.8%). These three types alone account for over 60% of all reported incidents. For homeowners and residents, the overall property crime rate is 47.3 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.3. This property crime figure encompasses shoplifting, burglary (4.1%), vehicle crime (3.2%), and criminal damage and arson (9.5%).

The relatively high rate of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that both commercial and residential properties face persistent opportunistic threats. Burglary, while representing a smaller percentage of the total, still occurred 230 times in the last year. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most frequent individual category, the cumulative risk of property-related offences is substantial, necessitating robust physical security measures for homes and businesses alike.

Crime Trends in Blyth (Northumberland)

Blyth has seen a notable improvement in its safety profile over the past year, with a 7.8% decrease in total crime. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some seasonal fluctuations. The year began with a crime rate of 9.9 in December, which rose to 11.1 in January before dipping to 9.2 in February.

The most active period for crime was the summer of 2025. The rate climbed from 10.3 in April to a peak of 12.9 in August. This late-summer surge is a common trend in coastal towns. However, the final months of the year showed a steady decline, with the rate falling back to 11.1 in October and 10.9 in November. This overall downward trajectory, despite the summer peak, suggests that crime is being more effectively managed in Blyth compared to the previous year, providing a more positive outlook for residents.

How To Keep Safe in Blyth

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Blyth (33.0%), personal awareness is essential. When walking through the town, especially in the evenings, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid isolated shortcuts or coastal paths that are not well-monitored. If you are out late, it is always safer to travel with others or use a reputable taxi service.

Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor (17.6%), so residents should be mindful of their surroundings and report persistent issues to local authorities. For property safety, the high rate of shoplifting and 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic theft is common. Ensure that your home is always locked, even when you are inside, and never leave valuables in your vehicle. Installing motion-activated lighting around your property can be a very effective and simple way to deter unwanted visitors. By staying alert and taking basic security precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime in Blyth.

Crime in Blyth follows distinct temporal patterns that reflect the town's daily rhythm. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are more prevalent as commercial areas are active, with theft-related offences making up over 34% of crimes in these periods. As the day progresses into the evening, "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, increase significantly, accounting for 58% of all incidents between 6pm and midnight. The late-night and early-morning hours (12am - 6am) see a marked shift toward property-related crime. During this time, vehicle crime accounts for 29% of offences and burglary reaches 23%, its highest relative frequency. This suggests that while violent crime is a constant background factor, the risk of theft is highest during business hours, whereas the risk to homes and vehicles peaks while residents are asleep.

Blyth sits within a varied statistical landscape on the Northumberland coast. When compared to nearby Cambois, which has a higher crime rate of 171.8 per 1,000, Blyth appears relatively safer. However, it has a significantly higher crime rate than other nearby settlements such as Bedlington (112.0) and New Hartley (54.7). Bomarsund, another close neighbour, reported a crime rate of 0.0. This suggests that Blyth is one of the primary urban centres for criminal activity in the immediate area, likely due to its larger population and retail presence. Residents should be aware that safety levels can vary significantly within just a few miles along this stretch of the coast.

In Blyth, where the property crime rate is 47.3 per 1,000 residents, traditional security systems are often insufficient. Most standard home security setups are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage once an intruder has already breached your home. Given that burglary and vehicle crime are statistically significant risks at night in Blyth, a more advanced approach is required.

scOS provides proactive protection by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary. Unlike basic cameras, scOS monitors all angles simultaneously and can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, stopping a crime before it even begins. For Blyth homeowners, this means preventing a break-in rather than just having a video of one. In an area with frequent criminal damage and theft, the ability of scOS to verify vehicles and learn your family's routines provides a level of security that makes your property a much less attractive target for opportunists.