Scarborough Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Scarborough

Scarborough, with a population of 102,000, has an overall crime rate of 126.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated level of criminal activity within the local authority district. The area's safety is reflected in a score of 72 out of 100, which, while above the average UK score of approximately 50, is below the national average safety score of 78/100. Over the past year, crime trends in Scarborough have remained stable, with a modest 1.5% change year-over-year. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed examination of crime statistics and patterns across the Scarborough area.

About the Scarborough Local Authority District

The Scarborough Local Authority District is a diverse area on the North Yorkshire coast, characterised by its mix of urban centres, suburban neighbourhoods, and extensive rural landscapes. The primary urban hub is the town of Scarborough itself, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, historic castle, and vibrant nightlife. This tourism, while vital to the local economy, can contribute to a transient population and increased activity, particularly during peak seasons, which may influence certain crime types like theft and anti-social behaviour.

Beyond the main town, the district includes smaller towns like Whitby and Filey, each with their own unique characteristics and demographics. Transport hubs, including the railway station in Scarborough, also see a constant flow of people, potentially leading to opportunistic crime. The varying population density across the district, from the bustling town centres to the quieter rural villages, means that crime patterns can differ significantly from one area to another. Economic factors, such as employment opportunities and deprivation levels in certain pockets, can also play a role in shaping the overall crime statistics for the district, helping to explain why its crime rate is higher than the national average.

Scarborough Crime Type Analysis

An analysis of crime types in Scarborough reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 4,477 crimes, or 35.1% of the total, at a rate of 43.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common issue, with 3,641 reported incidents, making up 28.5% of all crime at 35.7 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most frequent crime, with 1,143 occurrences, representing 8.9% of the total and a rate of 11.2 per 1,000.

Focusing on property-related crime, Scarborough reports a rate of 32.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is slightly below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses various offences including burglary (2.3 per 1,000), other theft (5.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (9.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.7 per 1,000), robbery (0.6 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of securing personal property and being aware of local crime patterns, particularly concerning theft and anti-social behaviour.

Crime Trends in Scarborough

Crime trends in Scarborough have remained stable over the past year, with a minimal increase of 1.5% year-over-year. This indicates that the overall crime rate has neither significantly risen nor fallen, maintaining a consistent level of activity. A closer look at the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw its highest points in July 2025 at 13.5 and in May 2025 at 11.9, suggesting potential seasonal increases during warmer months or holiday periods. Conversely, the lowest rates were observed in December 2024 at 8.3 and January 2025 at 8.4, which could be attributed to colder weather or holiday periods impacting criminal activity. For residents, a stable trend means that while there isn't a dramatic improvement in safety, there isn't a significant deterioration either, necessitating continued vigilance regarding personal and property security.

Regional Crime Context for Scarborough

As a Local Authority District, Scarborough encompasses a diverse range of communities. When considering its crime statistics, it's beneficial to understand its position within the broader regional context. While specific comparison data for similar local authority districts is not provided, Scarborough's overall crime rate of 126.7 per 1,000 residents is higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This suggests that the area faces some unique challenges compared to the national picture. Understanding these broader regional trends and how Scarborough performs in relation to national benchmarks helps residents and visitors to gain a comprehensive perspective on local safety and security.

Protecting Your Property in Scarborough

Given Scarborough's property crime rate of 32.1 per 1,000 people per year, proactive home security measures are a critical consideration for residents. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY cameras like Ring/Nest, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. While this can be useful for identification, it doesn't prevent the crime itself.

For those seeking genuine protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive alternative. Instead of merely recording a burglary, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they gain entry. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots, and can even verify vehicles with DVLA integration to identify suspicious activity instantly. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts you to real threats, avoiding unnecessary alarms. This level of autonomous response, with lights activating and speakers engaging, destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders – they move on. Investing in professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, shifting the focus from reactive recording to proactive crime prevention.