Hexham Crime Rate

Hexham’s crime rate of 66.9 per 1,000 residents is 26.7% below the UK average, yet the area has seen a 300% surge in possession of weapons year-on-year. This unexpected spike, coupled with a 17% overall increase in crime, highlights the need for targeted safety measures despite the town’s generally low crime profile.

Hexham is a historic market town in Northumberland, known for its medieval architecture and proximity to the River Tyne. As a built-up area with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist activity, its crime profile reflects a balance between urban and rural characteristics. The town’s relatively low population density and strong community networks may contribute to its lower overall crime rate compared to the UK average, though specific issues like anti-social behaviour and property damage persist.

The most surprising finding is that criminal damage and arson in Hexham are 3% above the UK average, despite the area’s overall crime rate being significantly lower. This may reflect local factors such as the presence of historic buildings requiring maintenance, or seasonal events that increase the risk of vandalism. Violence and sexual offences, though 32% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type, likely tied to the town’s mix of residential and commercial spaces. Anti-social behaviour, while 16% below the UK average, has risen by 28% YoY, possibly linked to increased social gatherings in the town’s public areas. Property crime, at 30.8% below the UK average, remains low, suggesting effective community policing and home security practices.

Hexham’s crime rate rose by 17% year-on-year, with possession of weapons surging by 300% YoY. This sharp increase in weapon-related crimes is unexplained by the data but may reflect localised spikes in youth activity or unreported incidents. Other rising crimes include drugs (114% YoY), other crime (90.9% YoY), and bicycle theft (50% YoY), despite Hexham’s overall crime rate remaining 26.7% below the UK average. The rise in anti-social behaviour (+27.7% YoY) and public order offences (+34% YoY) suggests increased social activity or challenges in managing public spaces.

How To Keep Safe in Hexham

Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night, as burglary peaks after 12am. Secure vehicles in well-lit car parks, given the 71% lower vehicle crime rate but increased risks in unmonitored spaces. Report any suspicious behaviour promptly, especially during evenings when anti-social behaviour rises. Use Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about local safety updates, and ensure homes have visible security measures like motion lights to deter potential intruders.

Crime in Hexham follows distinct patterns throughout the day and week. Burglary peaks at night (12am–6am), likely due to isolated residential areas and reduced lighting. Theft is most common during the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with shoplifting in the town’s retail centres. Vehicle crime spikes overnight, possibly due to limited street lighting in parking areas. Other crimes, such as criminal damage, are more prevalent in the evening, suggesting a correlation with alcohol-related incidents or youth activity in public spaces.

Hexham’s crime rate (66.9 per 1,000) is significantly lower than Acomb (140.5 per 1,000), which has 110% higher crime, but 77% higher than Corbridge (37.7 per 1,000) and 165% higher than Humshaugh (25.2 per 1,000). These differences likely reflect Acomb’s higher commercial activity and Humshaugh’s rural isolation, which may reduce crime opportunities.

For Hexham’s crime profile, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring are ideal. With burglary at 3.6 per 1,000 (5% above the UK average), real-time alerts could deter intruders. The system’s ability to distinguish between household members and strangers would also reduce false alarms, crucial in an area where anti-social behaviour has risen by 28% YoY. Autonomous deterrence features, such as lighting and speakers, could further disrupt opportunistic crimes.