South Tyneside Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in South Tyneside

South Tyneside experiences an overall crime rate of 122.9 per 1,000 residents annually, resulting in a safety score of 72 out of 100. When compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 and an average safety score of 78, South Tyneside's figures indicate a higher crime rate but a respectable safety score. Encouragingly, the area has seen a decreasing trend in crime, with a notable 5.7% reduction year-over-year. This overview sets the context for a deeper exploration of crime patterns and safety in the region.

What Contributes to Crime Statistics in South Tyneside

South Tyneside, an administrative area with a population of over 151,000, encompasses a mix of urban, suburban, and coastal characteristics. Its diverse nature, ranging from the bustling town centres of South Shields and Jarrow to quieter residential neighbourhoods, contributes to varied crime patterns. The presence of commercial areas, transport hubs, and leisure facilities can naturally lead to higher instances of theft and anti-social behaviour, particularly in more densely populated zones.

Economic factors, while complex, can also play a role, influencing opportunities and community stability. Additionally, visitor attractions along the coast can lead to transient populations, which sometimes correlate with certain types of offences. Understanding these inherent characteristics helps to contextualise the crime rates and safety scores observed across the Local Authority District, providing a more nuanced picture for residents.

Crime Type Analysis in South Tyneside

An analysis of crime types in South Tyneside reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' is the most prevalent category, accounting for 6,407 crimes or 34.4% of the total, at a rate of 42.3 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by 'Anti-social behaviour' with 3,140 incidents (16.9%) and 'Shoplifting' with 2,342 crimes (12.6%). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern for the community.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, robbery, and other theft, collectively stands at 43.1 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 691 crimes (4.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 510 crimes (3.4 per 1,000), and other theft for 900 crimes (5.9 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of securing properties and belongings against various forms of theft and damage.

Crime Trends in South Tyneside

South Tyneside has experienced a positive trend in crime reduction, with an overall decrease of 5.7% year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents provides further insight into this pattern. The latter part of 2024 saw rates of 10.7 in October and 10.5 in November, dipping to 9.4 in December. Early 2025 showed some fluctuation, with 9.7 in January and 9.3 in February, before rising slightly to 10.0 in March.

The crime rate remained relatively stable around 10.0-10.7 through April, May, June, and July, before a slight increase to 11.4 in August 2025, then falling to 10.2 in September. This year-long data indicates a general downward trajectory, despite minor monthly variations. For residents, this decreasing trend suggests an improving safety landscape, though continuous vigilance remains prudent.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a broader context for South Tyneside's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare the area with its neighbours. North Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Hartlepool, and County Durham all contribute to the regional crime landscape. South Tyneside's overall crime rate of 122.9 per 1,000 is higher than the national average, placing it in a specific position within the North East.

Each of these neighbouring areas presents its own unique crime profile, influenced by population density, urbanisation, and economic factors. For instance, larger urban centres like Newcastle upon Tyne might naturally exhibit different crime patterns compared to more suburban or rural locales. Understanding these regional variations helps residents and potential movers gauge relative safety and community characteristics across the broader North East.

Protecting Your Property in South Tyneside

Given South Tyneside's property crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for homeowners. While traditional CCTV systems can record incidents, they often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. The focus should shift from merely documenting crime to actively preventing it.

Modern security solutions, such as AI-powered systems like scOS, offer a proactive approach. Instead of notifying you after a break-in, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as a deterrent before an incident escalates. Its multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning capabilities allow it to distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats. This enables an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise and encourage intruders to move on. Professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making that crucial 60-second decision for potential burglars – to seek an easier target.