Shilbottle Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Shilbottle, Northumberland, reveal a concerning annual crime rate of 31.9 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting a need for focused preventative measures. While the overall trend has shown a decrease of 21.6% year-on-year, certain crime types remain prevalent within the community. Understanding these trends and specific crime patterns is crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance safety and well-being for all residents of Shilbottle. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the area’s crime statistics and offer practical advice for staying safe.

The crime landscape in Shilbottle reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.2% of recorded incidents. These are followed by criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour, each representing 17.2% of the total. Other theft contributes 10.3%, while drugs-related offences account for 6.9%. While vehicle crime and public order offences are comparatively less frequent, each represents a small portion of the overall crime picture. The relatively low number of burglaries (just one incident recorded) suggests that residential break-ins are less of a concern in this area. The combination of these factors shapes the unique crime profile of Shilbottle, highlighting areas where community focus and preventative measures could be particularly impactful.

Crime in Shilbottle has seen a significant decrease of 21.6% year-on-year, a positive development for the community. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period between January 2025 and December 2025. For instance, crime rates were relatively low in February (1.1 per 1,000/month), but saw a spike in April (2.8 per 1,000/month) and again in September and October (3.9 per 1,000/month). The highest monthly rate occurred in November, with 7.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. While December shows a slight decrease to 5.5 per 1,000, the overall downward trend indicates a positive shift in safety and security within Shilbottle.

How To Keep Safe in Shilbottle

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Shilbottle, it is important to be vigilant in public spaces. Walk with a friend or in well-lit areas, particularly at night. With criminal damage and arson being a concern, consider reinforcing fences and gates around your property. Due to the prevalence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places and avoid leaving valuables on display in your vehicle.

Criminal activity in Shilbottle exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary attempts are most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 6% of incidents. Vehicle crime is most prevalent overnight (12am - 6am), representing 25% of those events. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a higher proportion of theft (19%), while other crimes are most common during the afternoon (38%) and evening (67%). Violence and sexual offences are less time-specific, with distribution across all periods, but tend to peak during the evening hours. These patterns suggest targeted preventative measures should be focused on vulnerable times and locations.

Shilbottle's crime rate stands in contrast to those of its neighbours. Alnwick, a larger town nearby, reports a significantly higher crime rate of 157.6 per 1,000 residents. Hipsburn has a lower rate of 54.8 per 1,000, while Lesbury reports a notably low rate of 0.0. Warkworth also exhibits a higher crime rate at 49.0 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the varying levels of safety across Northumberland and underscore the unique challenges faced by Shilbottle, despite its relatively smaller population.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. However, proactive security systems like scOS offer a different approach. scOS, powered by AI, monitors your property boundary in real-time, detecting potential threats before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification capabilities allow for instant identification of suspicious activity and fake plates. Pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. If a delivery driver arrives, scOS recognises them and does not alert. If an unknown vehicle approaches, scOS activates lights and speakers, creating an element of surprise and often deterring criminals. For Shilbottle residents concerned about the 31.9 crime rate per 1,000, professional-grade protection represents a significant step beyond reactive security measures, offering a preventative approach to home safety.