Whitby Crime Rate

Crime in Whitby

Whitby is a safe urban settlement, with an overall crime rate of 83.8 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a respectable safety score of 81/100. The crime trend in Whitby is currently stable, showing a 5.0% increase year-over-year, which is often influenced by seasonal tourism. Residents benefit from a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.9. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Whitby and analyzes the temporal patterns to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Whitby

In Whitby, the most frequently reported offences are violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.1% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 27.4%, followed by shoplifting at 8.4%. These three categories represent over 70% of all incidents, indicating that community-level conduct and personal safety are the primary focuses for local law enforcement, particularly given the town's status as a major tourism destination.

Property crime in Whitby occurs at a rate of 21.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This includes criminal damage and arson (7.6%), other theft (4.9%), and burglary (1.9%). Vehicle crime accounts for 1.7% of total crime (1.4 per 1,000 people). For residents, these statistics are positive, showing that Whitby is a relatively low-risk area for property-related offences. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggests that commercial areas and public spaces still require a level of vigilance, especially during peak visitor seasons.

Whitby Crime Trends

The crime rate in Whitby has shown a stable trend over the past year, with a minor year-over-year increase of 5.0%. Monthly data reveals that crime rates typically range from 4.9 to 10.1 per 1,000 residents. The highest rate was recorded in July 2025 (10.1), while the lowest was in October 2025 (4.9).

Throughout the summer of 2025, the rate showed a significant seasonal peak, with July (10.1) and August (9.2) recording much higher volumes than the rest of the year. This is likely due to the town's high tourism footfall during these months. The most recent data for October 2025 shows a rate of 4.9, which is a return to lower annual levels. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, although the seasonal fluctuations highlight the need for increased vigilance during peak visitor periods.

How To Keep Safe in Whitby

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Whitby. Although the overall crime rate is below the national average, staying safe involves being aware of your surroundings and taking simple precautions.

• Stay Aware in Public: When walking in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and be mindful of your surroundings, especially near social hubs where anti-social behaviour can occur.
• Retail Security: Shoplifting and theft are the main daytime concerns; keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of opportunistic theft in busy shopping areas.
• Night-time Home Safety: With burglary risk peaking at 15% during the night, ensure all ground-floor windows and doors are securely locked before going to bed.
• Vehicle Protection: Vehicle crime is most prevalent overnight (24% of night-time reports); always remove valuables from your car and park in well-lit areas.
• Community Awareness: Engaging with local neighbourhood watch groups can help you stay informed about any recent anti-social behaviour trends in your part of Whitby.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Whitby

Crime in Whitby follows a clear daily cycle. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are largely defined by theft, which accounts for 43% of reports. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft remains high at 46% and burglary reaches 12%. These periods align with high retail activity and times when properties may be unoccupied.

The evening (6pm - 12am) sees a shift towards "Other" crime types, which make up 64% of incidents, often related to social activities and public order. Night-time (12am - 6am) brings the highest risk for property, with burglary peaking at 15% and vehicle crime surging to 24% of all reports during these hours. This data suggests that while theft is a daytime risk, home and vehicle security are most frequently challenged during the hours of darkness.

Nearby Area Comparison

Whitby (83.8) is a safe urban centre, although it has a higher crime rate than several smaller nearby villages. Sleights (35.5) reports a lower crime volume, which is typical for a smaller residential settlement. Other nearby areas like Sneatonthorpe, Fylingthorpe, and Robin Hood's Bay report zero crimes. Despite the higher rate in Whitby compared to its rural neighbours, it remains a secure choice for a town of its size, offering many more amenities while maintaining a crime rate below the national average. Overall, Whitby is a very secure choice for the Scarborough district.

Proactive Security in Whitby

With a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000 residents, Whitby is a relatively low-risk area, but maintaining that security requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV often only provide a recording of an event after it has already happened. For homeowners who want to ensure they stay protected, proactive technology is the modern standard.

The scOS operating system uses AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, offering a level of protection that simple recording cannot provide. By identifying potential threats before they reach your home, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible warnings—to deter an intruder immediately. This proactive approach is especially effective at night, when vehicle crime and burglary are at their highest in Whitby. For residents, scOS offers a sophisticated way to ensure their property remains a hard target, preventing crime before it can even start.