Blyth Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Blyth (Northumberland) recorded a crime rate of 14.4 per 1,000 residents in September 2023, placing it 80% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark divergence from national trends highlights the area’s unique challenges, shaped by its location and seasonal activity. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.7% of total incidents) and anti-social behaviour (25.3%), both of which significantly outpace UK averages. Violence alone was 61% higher than the national rate, while anti-social behaviour was 176% above the UK average. These figures suggest a concentration of issues in public spaces, potentially linked to Blyth’s role as a transport hub and the influx of students during university term time. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the end of summer holidays—may have contributed to increased social interactions and associated crime. Shoplifting and criminal damage also showed marked disparities, with the former 168% above the UK average and the latter 100% above. These patterns may reflect the presence of retail areas or a lack of community engagement in preventing such crimes. The data also reveals a mixed picture in property crime, with vehicle crime (17 incidents) slightly below the UK average but other theft (30 incidents) 17% above. This contrast may indicate localized factors, such as the distribution of residential and commercial properties. While the overall rate is concerning, the month-on-month decline from August suggests that targeted interventions or natural fluctuations may have temporarily reduced some crime categories. However, the persistent elevation compared to the UK average underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of crime in Blyth.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in Blyth’s crime profile, with bicycle theft and robbery both increasing by 166.7% and 100.0%, respectively. These spikes may reflect seasonal factors, such as university freshers’ week, which typically brings heightened foot traffic and activity in the town centre. Conversely, burglary and criminal damage both declined—burglary fell by 40.0% to 12 incidents, while criminal damage dropped by 28.2% to 51 cases. This contrast highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics, where some categories respond to seasonal rhythms while others appear more stable. Violent crime in Blyth remains 61% above the UK average, with 4.4 per 1,000 residents affected. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, is 176% above the national average, underscoring a persistent challenge in managing public order. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle theft—now at 1.5 per 1,000—may be a practical concern, especially for students and commuters reliant on cycling.

Blyth's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 14.4 per 1,000 residents, a 4.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 15.1 per 1,000. This slight decline contrasts with the area’s overall position as one of the UK’s most crime-prone locations, with rates 80% above the national average. On a daily basis, approximately 20 crimes were reported each day in Blyth, translating to one crime occurring for roughly every 69 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure highlights the persistent challenge of crime in the area, particularly when compared to the UK average. While the population of 41,597 is relatively small, the density of reported crimes suggests localized factors—such as the town’s proximity to major transport routes or seasonal activity—may contribute to sustained rates. The decline from August may reflect temporary reductions in specific crime types, such as burglary and criminal damage, but the overall profile remains significantly elevated compared to national benchmarks.