Pickering Crime Rate

Pickering has an overall crime rate of 86.7 per 1,000 people, which sits just below the UK national average of 93.1. The area maintains a strong safety score of 81/100, indicating it is safer than many comparable urban settlements. However, the most striking data point is the recent trend direction; crime in Pickering has increased by 51.3% year-over-year. This significant rise suggests a shifting safety landscape that residents and visitors should be aware of. While the current safety score remains high, the rapid increase in reported incidents necessitates a closer look at the specific types of crime occurring and the times they are most prevalent.

Crime Breakdown in Pickering

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Pickering, constituting 36.6% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 28.4%, while criminal damage and arson make up 11.1%. Together, these three categories account for the vast majority of local police activity. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, carries a rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, the recent upward trend in overall crime suggests that property security should be a growing priority for residents. Understanding these figures is essential for homeowners to assess their risk and implement appropriate preventative measures.

Crime Trends in Pickering

Pickering is currently experiencing a significant upward trend in crime, with a 51.3% increase year-over-year. A monthly analysis shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable surge in the summer months. Rates reached a peak of 10.5 per 1,000 in August 2025 and remained high into October at 9.5. Earlier in the year, February and March saw much lower rates of 4.8 and 4.7 respectively. This sharp increase over a relatively short period is unusual for a town of this size and suggests that the local safety environment has changed rapidly. Residents should be aware that the historical reputation of the area may not fully reflect the current statistical reality.

How To Keep Safe in Pickering

With violence and sexual offences being the most reported crime type in Pickering, personal safety should be a primary focus for residents. When out in the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and, where possible, walk with a companion. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial; avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones when walking alone. If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and head toward a public place with other people. Additionally, the high rate of anti-social behaviour suggests that reporting incidents to the local council or police can help in identifying hotspots and improving community safety. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide an extra layer of collective security and information sharing.

The timing of crime in Pickering reveals specific vulnerabilities. Afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm) are the peak time for theft, accounting for 35% of crimes in that window. This period also sees a high percentage of burglaries at 16%. However, the risk profile shifts at night (12am - 6am), where burglary reaches its peak at 18% and vehicle crime rises significantly to 15%. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. This data suggests that while commercial areas are most at risk during the day, residential properties and vehicles require the most protection during the late-night and early-morning hours.

In the context of the Ryedale region, Pickering serves as a primary hub. When compared to nearby Thornton-le-Dale, which has a much lower crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000, Pickering's rate of 86.7 is notably higher. Other surrounding areas such as Middleton, Kirby Misperton, and Sinnington all reported a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting Pickering as the focal point for most regional crime reports. This is common for the largest town in a rural area, as it hosts more businesses, visitors, and transport links. Understanding this regional context helps residents see that while Pickering's numbers are higher locally, it remains within a generally safe part of the country.

Pickering's property crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 people is currently below the national average, but the overall 51.3% increase in crime is a cause for proactive measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they provide evidence only after a crime has been committed. In an area experiencing a sharp rise in activity, preventing the crime from occurring is far more valuable. scOS uses advanced AI to turn your security cameras into a proactive defence system. It identifies potential intruders at the boundary of your property and can intervene autonomously using lights and sound to destroy the element of surprise. This type of intelligent deterrence is particularly effective against the night-time burglary and vehicle crime patterns identified in Pickering's data. By choosing a system that prevents rather than just records, you are providing your home with the highest level of protection available.