Blyth Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 saw Blyth (Northumberland) record a crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents, 37.3% above the UK average of 6.7. This places the area in a starkly different position compared to the national trend, with several categories showing marked deviations. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, accounted for 35.9% of all incidents, 40% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 1.5 per 1,000, was 142% above the UK rate, highlighting a significant local challenge. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 1.3 per 1,000, 34% above the national figure. These patterns may partly explain the area's elevated overall rate. Blyth's built-up character, with its mix of residential and commercial zones, could contribute to such imbalances. The winter month typically sees reduced outdoor activity, yet the high rate of violent crime suggests indoor venues—such as pubs or community centres—may be playing a role. Seasonal factors, including the pre-spring lull, may also influence reporting patterns. The contrast with the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where local conditions diverge from national trends.

February 2025 saw a 7.0% increase in shoplifting, rising from 57 to 61 incidents. This follows a 142% gap above the UK average, raising questions about the underlying causes. While shoplifting rose, robbery fell sharply by 66.7%, from three to one incident—a reduction that may reflect improved security measures or changes in local activity. Drug-related offences also declined by 44.0%, from 25 to 14, though this remains 20% above the UK average. The crime mix shifted with violent crimes (35.9% of total) outpacing property crimes (64.1%), a reversal of the UK's usual balance. This suggests that local dynamics, such as the presence of community hubs or social services, may be influencing the types of crime reported. For residents, the 142% disparity in shoplifting rates is a concrete data point that could inform targeted policing efforts or retail security upgrades. The drop in robbery, though modest, indicates that some crime categories are responding to interventions, even if others remain elevated.

Blyth's crime rate in February 2025 fell by 16.9% compared to the previous month, dropping from 11.1 to 9.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while notable, still leaves the area significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, 14 crimes were reported in February, translating to roughly one crime every 2.7 days. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 108 residents—a figure that, while lower than the previous month, remains higher than the UK average when scaled to Blyth's population. The population context reveals that the crime rate is high for a built-up area in Northumberland, where rural characteristics might typically moderate crime levels. This contrast suggests that Blyth's urban core, despite its small size, may have unique vulnerabilities. The 16.9% decrease from January could be linked to seasonal factors, such as the end of holiday periods or changes in local events. For residents, the 1-in-108 monthly exposure rate offers a tangible measure of risk, though this is a monthly aggregate and does not reflect daily fluctuations.