South Shields Crime Rate

South Shields recorded a crime rate of 144.5 per 1,000 people during the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6, placing the town in a higher-crime category nationally. The area has a safety score of 68/100, which is below the UK average of 79, reflecting the volume of reported incidents. However, the crime trend remains stable, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.8%. This suggests that while crime levels are elevated, they are not currently escalating. This report provides a detailed look at the crime breakdown, temporal patterns, and safety advice tailored to the specific challenges faced by the South Shields community.

In South Shields, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 33.7% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, accounting for 17.9%, followed by shoplifting at 12.4%. For residents, property crime is a major consideration, with the combined rate for offences such as burglary, vehicle crime, and theft reaching 50.0 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson are particularly notable, representing nearly 10% of total crime. This high property crime rate suggests that homes and businesses in South Shields are at a higher risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism than the UK average. Homeowners should be particularly aware of the 3.3% burglary rate and 2.6% vehicle crime rate, which necessitate proactive security measures to protect high-value assets.

The crime rate in South Shields has remained relatively stable over the past year, with a minor decrease of 2.8%. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 10.5 in December and a high of 14.4 in August. The summer months, particularly July and August, saw the highest levels of activity, which is typical for coastal towns experiencing higher footfall. Following this peak, the rate gradually declined toward the end of the year. This stability suggests that while South Shields has higher crime than the national average, the situation is not worsening. Residents can expect these seasonal patterns to continue, with heightened vigilance recommended during the busier summer period.

How To Keep Safe in South Shields

The highest crime type in South Shields is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to maintain high situational awareness, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through parks or unlit alleys. If you are using public transport or taxis, try to travel with others and share your journey details with a friend or family member.

Given the significant rate of anti-social behaviour (17.9%), it is wise to be mindful of your surroundings in busy town centre areas. For property owners, the 50.0 per 1,000 property crime rate means you should take extra care with home security. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are inside, and never leave spare keys in 'hidden' spots outside. If you have a vehicle, park it in a garage or a well-lit driveway whenever possible, as vehicle crime increases significantly during the night hours in South Shields. Visible security deterrents are highly effective at making opportunistic criminals move on to easier targets.

Crime in South Shields follows distinct daily patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are more prevalent as the town's commercial areas are most active. As the day transitions into evening, there is a notable shift toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 62% of reports during this period. The night-time hours see a significant rise in vehicle crime, which jumps to 25% of all reported incidents between midnight and 6am. Burglary risk remains relatively consistent throughout the day but peaks slightly at night (20%) and in the afternoon (18%), suggesting that criminals target both empty homes during the day and occupied properties under the cover of darkness.

South Shields sits at the higher end of the crime spectrum in its local cluster. Its rate of 144.5 per 1,000 is higher than that of Jarrow (140.0) and Boldon Colliery (112.4). The contrast is even more pronounced when compared to the nearby villages of Cleadon, which has a much lower rate of 36.9, and East and West Boldon at 57.4. For those looking for a quieter environment, these neighbouring settlements offer a significantly lower crime profile. However, South Shields remains the primary urban and commercial hub for the area, which naturally draws higher incident reports than its more suburban neighbours.

In South Shields, where the property crime rate is 50.0 per 1,000 people, standard security measures are often insufficient. Most traditional systems, such as basic CCTV or smart doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or, worse, entered your home. For true protection, South Shields residents should consider a proactive approach. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to stop crime before it happens. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property boundary simultaneously, identifying threats the moment they appear. Unlike DIY systems that rely on you checking your phone, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating floodlights or sirens to deter a criminal within those critical first 60 seconds. With vehicle crime and burglary being persistent risks in the area, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and recognise family routines ensures that your home is guarded by a system that thinks and acts, rather than one that just records.