Whitby Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Whitby

Whitby, an urban settlement with a population of 17,379, reports an overall crime rate of 84.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 81 out of 100, significantly above the national average safety score of 78/100, indicating a high level of perceived and actual security. Over the past year, crime trends in Whitby have remained stable, with a 4.5% change year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview of Whitby's crime landscape, setting the context for further detailed analysis.

Whitby Crime Type Analysis

An examination of crime types in Whitby reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 557 crimes, or 37.8% of the total, at a rate of 32.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 405 reported incidents, making up 27.5% of all crime at 23.3 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most frequent crime, with 124 occurrences, representing 8.4% of the total and a rate of 7.1 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Whitby stands at 21.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses various offences including burglary (1.6 per 1,000), other theft (4.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.3 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.6 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.5 per 1,000), robbery (0.4 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.1 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a relatively lower risk of property crime compared to the national average, but vigilance remains important.

Crime Trends in Whitby

Crime trends in Whitby have remained stable over the past year, with a 4.5% change year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of criminal activity without significant shifts. A closer look at the monthly data reveals fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw its highest points in July 2025 at 10.1 and August 2025 at 9.2, suggesting potential seasonal increases during warmer months. Conversely, the lowest rates were observed in September 2025 at 5.3 and December 2024 at 5.5. This stable trend implies that while there isn't a dramatic improvement in safety, there isn't a significant deterioration either, necessitating continued awareness regarding personal and property security.

Crime Time Patterns in Whitby

Crime in Whitby exhibits specific patterns across different times of the day. Mornings, between 6am and 12pm, are characterised by a concentration of theft and other crimes. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences remain elevated, often coinciding with periods of increased activity. Evenings, from 6pm to 12am, show a shift towards other crime types, though property-related offences are still present. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes more pronounced, often occurring when properties are less attended. These patterns highlight the importance of adapting security measures to the specific risks of each time period.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context for Whitby's crime statistics, it's useful to compare it with neighbouring communities. Sleights, a nearby settlement, demonstrates a significantly lower crime rate and a higher safety score, indicating a very safe environment. Sneatonthorpe, while not explicitly detailed, is generally a smaller, more rural community often associated with lower crime rates. Fylingthorpe and Robin Hood's Bay also tend to exhibit lower crime rates due to their smaller populations and rural or coastal characteristics. These comparisons highlight Whitby's position as a relatively safe area within the broader region, though some nearby areas may offer even lower crime figures.

Protecting Your Property in Whitby

Despite Whitby's property crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000 people per year being below the UK average, proactive home security remains essential for residents. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or consumer-grade cameras like Ring/Nest, typically only record a burglary after it has happened. This reactive approach, while providing evidence, does not actively deter or prevent the crime itself.

For those seeking a more robust defence, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers proactive protection. scOS is designed to prevent crime before it occurs by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they can gain entry. Its multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive surveillance, ensuring no blind spots, and advanced features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. By learning your routines, scOS intelligently identifies real threats, avoiding false alarms. In the event of an intrusion, its autonomous response—activating lights and engaging speakers—destroys the element of surprise, a crucial factor for burglars. Opting for professional-grade security like scOS provides real-time intervention and a powerful deterrent, offering superior peace of mind compared to reactive monitoring.