Rothbury Crime Rate

Rothbury is an exceptionally secure and peaceful settlement in Northumberland, boasting a safety score of 91/100, which far exceeds the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate stands at a remarkably low 36.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Recent trends are also positive, with a recorded 8.7% decrease in total crime year-over-year. Property crime is particularly rare, with a rate of just 7.9 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.2. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported category, the actual number of incidents remains low. This profile makes Rothbury one of the safest locations in the region, offering a tranquil environment for residents and families alike.

Crime Breakdown in Rothbury

Rothbury is characterised by a low volume of crime, with the primary concerns being violence and sexual offences, which constitute 35.3% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.7% and public order offences at 12.9%. While these percentages seem high, they represent a small number of total incidents due to the area's low overall crime rate.

Regarding property crime—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—Rothbury maintains an exceptionally low rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 32.2. Burglary accounts for 8.6% of total crime, which is higher than the national average percentage, but the actual count is just 10 incidents per year. Vehicle crime and shoplifting are remarkably rare, each making up less than 1% of the local total. For residents, this means the risk of property loss is minimal, although the high percentage of burglary within the small total suggests that when crime does occur, it often targets residential security.

Crime Trends in Rothbury

Rothbury is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in criminal activity, with total crime falling by 8.7% year-over-year. This decrease reinforces the area's reputation as a safe haven within Northumberland. Looking at the monthly trendData, the crime rate remained consistently low throughout 2025, starting at 3.5 per 1,000 in January and dropping to just 1.0 in February.

There were minor seasonal fluctuations, with a peak in September at 5.1 per 1,000, but even this high point is significantly lower than the average crime rate in most UK towns. The year ended on a quiet note, with rates falling back to 2.5 in December. This stability suggests that the local community and police are effectively maintaining order. For residents, these trends mean that the risk of crime is not only low but is actively diminishing, making it an increasingly attractive place for those prioritising safety.

How To Keep Safe in Rothbury

While Rothbury is very safe, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type. To maintain your personal safety and contribute to the area's low crime rate, consider these suggestions:

1. Maintain Personal Awareness: Even in safe areas, stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours. Stick to well-lit main roads where possible.
2. Utilise Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a smartphone safety app that allows you to share your location with trusted contacts if you are out late or in more isolated rural spots.
3. Report Suspicious Behaviour: The low crime rate in Rothbury is supported by a vigilant community. If you see something that feels out of place, report it to the local non-emergency line to help police maintain their presence.
4. Secure Outbuildings: With burglary being the primary property concern, ensure that sheds, garages, and workshops are fitted with high-quality locks, as these are often easier targets than the main house.

Crime in Rothbury exhibits very specific time-of-day trends, particularly regarding property offences. Burglary risk is almost entirely concentrated in two periods: the night (12am - 6am) and the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), which account for 50% and 49% of burglary reports respectively. This suggests that intruders are highly opportunistic, targeting homes when they are most likely to be vacant or when occupants are asleep. Theft-related crimes are more frequent in the morning (18%) and afternoon (17%), likely coinciding with local business hours. Conversely, the evening (6pm - 12am) sees a higher proportion of 'other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. Because the overall crime volume is so low, these patterns are quite distinct, allowing residents to take targeted precautions, such as ensuring high-level security is active during the afternoon hours when many might be away from home.

Rothbury sits in a very low-crime pocket of Northumberland. When compared to nearby Longframlington, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000, Rothbury is part of a consistently safe corridor. It is surrounded by several smaller hamlets like Swarland, Thropton, and Whittingham, all of which reported zero crimes during the current data period. While Rothbury has slightly more activity due to its larger population and status as a local hub, it remains significantly safer than the busier urban centres further south. For those seeking a balance between community amenities and high safety standards, Rothbury compares very favourably to almost any other settlement in the county.

In a high-safety area like Rothbury, the goal of home security is to maintain the status quo and prevent the rare, opportunistic incident. Property crime is exceptionally low at 7.9 per 1,000, but when it does occur, statistics show a high concentration of burglary during the afternoon and night. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; a doorbell camera might notify you that a package has been taken, but it won't stop a determined intruder.

A proactive AI system like scOS is designed to prevent crime rather than just record it. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect a threat before a break-in occurs. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag unauthorised cars, while autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible warnings—can deter a criminal within the first 60 seconds of their arrival. In a quiet area like Rothbury, where a sudden light or sound is highly noticeable, this proactive approach is the most effective way to ensure your home remains part of the safe majority.