Scarborough Crime Rate

Scarborough Crime Overview

Scarborough is a busy coastal local authority with an overall crime rate of 127.5 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 72/100. The crime trend in Scarborough is stable, showing a 3.0% increase year-over-year. Property crime is slightly below the national average at 32.1 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As one of the North's premier tourism destinations, Scarborough's crime statistics reflect its high seasonal footfall and urban density. Understanding these figures is essential for residents and businesses to stay safe in this vibrant seaside town. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns and trends.

About Scarborough

Scarborough is one of Britain's oldest and most popular seaside resorts, a factor that significantly influences its crime profile. As a major tourism destination on the North Yorkshire coast, the town experiences dramatic seasonal fluctuations in its population. During the peak summer months, the influx of visitors leads to higher reports of shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences, particularly in the town centre and along the seafront. The town also serves as a regional employment and transport hub, with a vibrant nightlife that contributes to its urban crime statistics. Economic factors, including its reliance on seasonal tourism and service industries, play a role in the local crime rate. The high density of commercial activity and leisure facilities in a relatively compact coastal area means that crime is often concentrated in specific hotspots. These characteristics, while driving the local economy, present unique challenges for community safety and policing in a town that balances being a quiet residential area with a busy holiday destination.

Crime in Scarborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Scarborough, accounting for 34.9% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour (28.7%) and shoplifting (9.0%) also feature prominently. Overall property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 32.1 per 1,000 residents, which is just below the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is a significant factor, likely due to the town's busy retail and tourism sectors. For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of personal safety in the town centre and the need for vigilant home security. The high percentage of anti-social behaviour and violence suggests that communal safety and personal awareness are key concerns in this active coastal area.

Scarborough Crime Trends

The crime trend in Scarborough is stable, with a 3.0% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate reached a peak of 13.5 per 1,000 in July 2025. Other high-activity months include August (12.3) and May (11.9). The lowest rates were recorded in December (8.3) and January (8.4). This seasonal pattern clearly reflects the town's status as a holiday destination, with criminal activity increasing during the peak summer months. The overall stability indicates that while there are significant seasonal variations, the long-term safety profile of the town remains consistent. Residents and business owners should be particularly vigilant during the busy summer period.

Local Context: Scarborough

In the context of the surrounding North Yorkshire coast, Scarborough is the primary urban and tourism centre, which results in a higher crime rate than its more rural and residential neighbours. Its rate of 127.5 per 1,000 is characteristic of a regional hub that attracts a large transient population for leisure and shopping. While its crime rate is higher than smaller settlements in the region, Scarborough also offers a level of amenity and economic activity that its neighbours do not. For those considering the area, Scarborough represents a more active urban environment compared to the quieter, more residential coastal villages nearby. Overall, it remains a popular and safe choice for many.

Proactive Security for Scarborough

With a property crime rate of 32.1 per 1,000, Scarborough residents and businesses face a risk profile that is close to the national average. In a busy coastal town with high seasonal footfall, traditional security systems like standard CCTV or ring doorbells are often not enough. These systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens or after the fact, providing evidence but failing to prevent the incident.

scOS offers a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By using AI to monitor your security cameras in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats at your property boundary. If an intruder is detected near your home or business, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio warnings. This immediate intervention can deter a criminal in the crucial seconds before they attempt a break-in or theft. In an area like Scarborough, where opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour are significant factors, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade layer of protection that ensures your property remains truly secure. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your assets in this active coastal environment.

How To Keep Safe in Scarborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crimes in Scarborough. Given the town's busy nature as a seaside resort and its active nightlife, personal safety should be a priority.

1. Stay Aware in Public: When walking in the town centre or along the seafront, especially at night, stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones.
2. Use Well-Lit Routes: Stick to main roads and busy areas when travelling at night. Avoid shortcuts through less populated streets or parks.
3. Secure Your Belongings: With shoplifting and theft being common issues, keep your bags and wallets secure and close to you, especially in crowded retail and tourism areas.
4. Plan Your Night Out: If you are enjoying Scarborough's nightlife, plan your journey home in advance and stay with friends. Use licensed taxis or public transport.
5. Home Security: Always ensure your home is secure, especially during the peak summer months when footfall is highest. Motion-activated lighting can deter anti-social behaviour near your property.