Rothbury Crime Rate

Rothbury Crime Overview

Rothbury is one of the safest settlements in Northumberland, offering a secure environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is just 36.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 92/100, placing it well above the national average for security. Furthermore, the area is seeing a positive trend in safety, with crime decreasing by 14.9% year-over-year. As a rural market town, Rothbury benefits from a close-knit community and a low volume of transient traffic, which contributes to its status as a low-crime haven. For those living in or moving to the area, the statistics confirm that Rothbury remains an exceptionally peaceful place to reside.

Crime Breakdown in Rothbury

Rothbury's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.1% and public order offences at 13.2%. While these figures represent the most common reports, the actual number of incidents remains very low due to the area's small population and rural nature.

Property crime in Rothbury is exceptionally low, with a rate of only 7.6 per 1,000 people—far below the UK average of 32.3. Burglary and criminal damage both sit at 7.9% of total crime, with just 9 incidents of each reported over the year. Vehicle crime is nearly non-existent, making up less than 1% of the total. For residents, this means that while personal conflict and nuisance behaviour are the primary concerns for local police, the threat to homes and property is significantly lower than in almost any other urban environment in the country. This makes Rothbury one of the more secure locations for homeowners in Northumberland.

Crime Trends in Rothbury

Rothbury is currently experiencing a downward trend in crime, which is excellent news for the local community. Total offences have decreased by 14.9% year-over-year. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a consistently low rate, with a notable dip in February 2025 where the rate was just 1.0 per 1,000. While there was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months—peaking at 5.1 in September 2025—the overall numbers remain very small. The year concluded with a rate of 3.8 in November, reinforcing the area's stable and safe reputation. This decreasing trend suggests that local policing and community efforts are effectively maintaining Rothbury’s high standard of safety.

How To Keep Safe in Rothbury

The most common crime type in Rothbury is violence and sexual offences, though it is important to contextualise this within the very low overall crime volume. Most such incidents in rural settings are isolated or domestic in nature, rather than random acts of public violence.

To maintain personal and community safety in Rothbury, consider these three practical steps. First, stay connected with your neighbours; in a low-crime area, unusual activity is easily spotted when the community is observant and communicative. Second, ensure that even in a safe environment, you do not leave high-value items in plain sight in vehicles or through windows, as this can attract the rare opportunistic thief. Third, use smart lighting for your property. Since burglaries in Rothbury peak in the afternoon and night, having lights that activate when you are away can give the impression of occupancy. Finally, ensure any outbuildings or sheds are secured with high-quality locks, as these are often easier targets than the main residence in rural towns.

Time Patterns of Crime in Rothbury

Analysing the time of day when crimes occur in Rothbury reveals specific vulnerabilities. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are relatively quiet, though 32% of burglaries occur in this window. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for property crime, with burglaries rising to 47% of reports. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a shift towards 'other' crimes, likely including anti-social behaviour. Interestingly, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees the highest concentration of burglary (48%) and vehicle crime (9%). This suggests that while Rothbury is safe, the cover of darkness and the quiet of the afternoon are the most likely times for opportunistic property offences to take place.

Nearby Areas Comparison

When compared to the surrounding region, Rothbury stands out as a high-safety zone. Its crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 is almost identical to neighbouring Longframlington (35.5), suggesting a consistent level of safety across this part of rural Northumberland. While even smaller settlements like Thropton, Whittingham, and Swarland report a crime rate of 0.0, these are much smaller residential clusters without the commercial centre that Rothbury provides. In the context of the wider local authority, Rothbury offers a very safe alternative to the more industrial or coastal towns further east, maintaining a tranquil atmosphere that is rare in modern built-up areas.

Proactive Security for Rothbury

In an area as safe as Rothbury, with a property crime rate of only 7.6 per 1,000, homeowners might feel that security is an afterthought. However, the very rarity of crime can make properties more vulnerable to opportunistic intruders who target rural towns precisely because they expect lower levels of vigilance. Traditional reactive security—like cameras that record a burglary after it has happened—is of limited use in preventing the initial loss.

scOS provides a more intelligent solution by focusing on proactive prevention. Its AI-driven system monitors property boundaries and distinguishes between regular routines and genuine threats. By detecting a potential intruder before they even attempt a break-in, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or voice alerts. For Rothbury residents, this means that even the few crimes that do occur can be stopped at the boundary. Investing in proactive protection ensures that your home remains part of the statistics that keep Rothbury’s safety score at 92/100.