Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,949, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea recorded 44 crimes in May 2025, equating to a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents—8.6% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure, while modest, reflects the area's character as a coastal town with limited urban density, which may naturally suppress certain crime types. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (14, 31.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (11, 25.0%) and criminal damage and arson (11, 25.0%). The latter two categories stand out for their stark divergence from UK averages: anti-social behaviour is 34% above the national rate, while criminal damage and arson is 217% above. This contrast highlights the unique challenges of a small coastal community, where seasonal factors—such as May's bank holidays and longer evenings—may drive socialising in public spaces, contributing to anti-social incidents. Conversely, violent crime remains lower than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 15% below the national rate. This may be influenced by the area's isolation and limited nightlife, which could reduce opportunities for violent crime. The balance between property and violent crime also shifts: property crimes (16) account for 36.4% of total crimes, slightly below the UK's 40% average, but the severity of property-related damage (criminal damage and arson) suggests a different dynamic than in more densely populated areas. Seasonal context further complicates the picture: May's extended daylight and warmer weather may encourage outdoor activity, which could both increase public order issues and reduce indoor burglary opportunities. These patterns underscore the need for localised analysis, as national averages often fail to capture the specific interplay of geography, population size, and seasonal rhythms that shape crime in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 266.7% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 3 to 11 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 100% rise in drug-related crimes and a first recorded robbery, suggests a shift in local criminal activity patterns. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 66.7%, and shoplifting fell by 50%, potentially linked to May's bank holidays and extended evenings, which may have redirected social activity away from public spaces. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 15.4%, though it remains 34% above the UK average. Violent crimes (14) and property crimes (16) each represent less than half of the UK average for their respective categories, with violence and sexual offences at 15% below the national rate. These disparities highlight the area's unique crime profile, where violent crime is relatively low but property-related damage and drug activity are elevated compared to national trends.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea's crime rate rose by 4.8% in May 2025 compared to 7.1 per 1,000 in April. below the UK average of 8.1. With 44 crimes recorded over 31 days, this equates to roughly one crime per day—a figure that, while low, reflects the area's small population of 5,949. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a statistic that contextualises the impact of crime within the community. This rate is lower than the UK average when considering the area's coastal character, which may naturally deter certain types of crime. The daily crime count, while modest, underscores the importance of localised awareness, particularly given the seasonal shifts in activity patterns during May. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the area's crime burden is proportionally lighter than national benchmarks, suggesting that local factors—such as the town's proximity to natural landscapes and limited urban density—may contribute to this relative safety.