Blyth Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Blyth's crime rate for August 2024 stood at 12.6 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 53.7% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This figure, while significantly higher than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local demographics and seasonal patterns. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (28.7% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.3%) and shoplifting (13.2%). These categories align with the characteristics of a built-up area in Northumberland, where high streets and local amenities may contribute to anti-social behaviour and retail-related offences. August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism, which could partially explain the elevated rates of shoplifting and other crimes. However, the area's crime profile also includes several categories that are above the UK average, such as anti-social behaviour (101% above) and bicycle theft (122% above). This suggests that Blyth's unique socio-economic context—influenced by its coastal proximity and seasonal visitor influx—plays a significant role in shaping its crime dynamics. The persistence of high rates in certain categories, despite a general decline from the previous month, indicates that while progress has been made, targeted interventions may be necessary to address systemic issues.

August 2024 saw a 46.9% decrease in burglary compared to July, marking one of the most significant drops in the data. This decline may partly explain the overall reduction in crime, as property crimes typically contribute heavily to the area's rate. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 21.1%, a trend consistent with peak holiday shopping activity in the region. The category of 'other crime' surged by 71.4%, a sharp increase that warrants further analysis given its relatively high share of total incidents. Violence and sexual offences remain high, at 34% above the UK average, despite the overall rate being lower than the previous month. This highlights a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime, even as other categories show improvement. The decrease in theft from the person by 60% suggests potential success in local efforts targeting this category, though the exact factors behind this shift remain unclear.

Blyth's crime rate in August 2024 fell by 11.4% compared to July, reflecting a notable decline in overall criminal activity. This reduction contrasts with the area's typically higher-than-average crime profile, which has persisted despite seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 17 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while locally relevant, offers insight into the pace of incidents in a built-up area of Northumberland. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 80 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure for Blyth's population of 41,597. This rate, though lower than the previous month, remains significantly above the UK average. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, while the area is not immune to crime, the drop in August suggests a shift in patterns that may align with seasonal transitions or local initiatives. The interplay between resident numbers and reported crimes underscores the need for continued monitoring, particularly as August is a peak holiday month in the region.