Blyth (Northumberland) Crime Rate

Blyth currently has an overall crime rate of 136.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the town maintains a safety score of 70/100, reflecting its status as a busy urban centre with a strong community. Encouragingly, the recent trend direction is decreasing, with a 7.1% drop in reported crime year-over-year. This downward trajectory suggests that local safety measures are proving effective. As one of Northumberland's largest towns, Blyth's statistics are influenced by its commercial activity and population density. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types and patterns to help residents and visitors stay informed about the local safety environment.

In Blyth, crime is notably higher than the county average, with violence and sexual offences being the most common type, accounting for 32.6% of reports (44.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 17.4%, followed by shoplifting at 11.9%. Property crime is a major concern for the local community, with an overall rate of 48.3 per 1,000 people. This includes 229 burglaries and 189 vehicle crimes annually. The high rate of shoplifting and criminal damage (9.7%) suggests a busy commercial environment where opportunistic crime is frequent. For residents, this means that the risk of property-related offences is higher than in neighbouring rural areas, making effective home and business security a vital investment for protecting assets.

Blyth is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a 7.1% decrease year-over-year. Analysis of the 2025 monthly data shows that the year began with a crime rate of 11.1 in January, which dropped to its lowest point of 9.2 in February. Rates then fluctuated through the spring and summer, peaking in August at 12.9 per 1,000. This summer peak is common in coastal towns but was followed by a steady decline through the autumn, ending the year at 10.3 in December. This overall reduction is a very positive sign for the town, suggesting that safety is improving and that the high crime rates of the past are being successfully addressed by local authorities.

How To Keep Safe in Blyth (Northumberland)

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Blyth, staying alert in public spaces and planning your movements is key to personal safety.

1. Be Aware in Commercial Areas: Given the high rate of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, stay vigilant in the town centre. Keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings in busy shopping districts.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a persistent issue (4.5 per 1,000). Always lock your car, use a steering lock, and ensure no valuables—even small change or charging cables—are visible from the outside.
3. Home Perimeter Defence: With 229 burglaries a year, a well-defined and secure property boundary is essential. Ensure gates are locked and consider proactive AI security that can detect intruders at the edge of your property.
4. Night-time Travel: If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through parks or back alleys. Travel with others whenever possible to reduce the risk of being targeted.
5. Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour makes up 17.4% of local crime. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities allocate resources to the areas that need them most.

Crime in Blyth follows a clear urban cycle. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft and shoplifting (34-36%), coinciding with the opening of retail centres. As the day progresses into the evening, the crime profile shifts significantly towards anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 58% of all evening reports. The night-time period, between 12am and 6am, sees the highest concentration of vehicle crime (29%) and a significant portion of burglaries (22%). This suggests that while daytime crime is largely commercial, the night-time poses a specific threat to residential property and vehicles.

Blyth's safety profile is best understood when compared to its neighbours in southeast Northumberland. With a rate of 136.5 per 1,000, it is notably safer than nearby Cambois, which sees a much higher rate of 177.4. However, it experiences more crime than Bedlington (112.6) and the much quieter New Hartley (63.1). Another nearby area, Bomarsund, reports minimal crime. For those living in the region, Blyth represents a typical urban hub where higher commercial and social activity leads to a more active crime profile than its smaller residential neighbours. Understanding these local variations is crucial for anyone considering moving to or investing in the area.

With a property crime rate of 48.3 per 1,000 residents in Blyth, homeowners must be proactive about security. Traditional systems like Ring or Nest often only record the event, providing you with footage of your burglary after it has happened. In an urban setting like Blyth, where opportunistic theft is common, prevention is far more valuable than evidence. The scOS AI-powered operating system provides this proactive defence. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify genuine threats—such as someone loitering near your door or a vehicle with cloned plates—before they attempt entry. Autonomous responses, including light activation and audible warnings, destroy the element of surprise. For Blyth residents, a system that actively intervenes to stop a crime before it starts offers the highest level of protection for both family and property.