South Shields Crime Rate

Introduction to South Shields Crime Statistics

South Shields currently experiences an overall crime rate of 144.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 68/100, compared to the national benchmark of 79. Despite this high rate, the recent trend direction is stable, showing a year-over-year decrease of 4.2%. Property crime is also high at 50.4 per 1,000 people, notably exceeding the national average of 32.3. For the 73,676 residents, this context suggests that while South Shields is a popular coastal settlement, personal and property security should be a major priority. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and monthly trends to help residents understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in South Shields

South Shields experiences a high volume of crime relative to its size, with violence and sexual offences being the most reported category at 33.5% (3,558 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows at 17.9%, and shoplifting is the third most common at 12.5%. These figures suggest that personal safety and commercial security are the primary areas of concern for the local community.

Property-related crime in South Shields stands at a rate of 50.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes 361 burglaries, 291 vehicle crimes, and 1,325 shoplifting incidents. For homeowners, this elevated property crime rate highlights a heightened risk of theft and criminal damage (which accounts for 9.7% of total crime). The high volume of shoplifting, often categorized as "business crime," suggests that local commercial areas are particularly targeted. Homeowners should be aware that while burglary rates are moderate, the overall pressure on property security in the settlement is higher than in many other parts of the country.

Crime Trends in South Shields

The crime trend in South Shields is currently stable, showing a 4.2% decrease in total offences over the last year. While the overall crime rate remains high at 144.0 per 1,000, this downward trend is a positive sign for the community. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern with some significant spikes in activity.

The year began with crime rates between 10.1 and 11.3 per 1,000. However, activity saw a significant increase during the spring and summer months, peaking at 13.1 in March and a high of 14.4 in August. The rate then gradually returned to lower levels towards the end of the period, finishing at 10.8 in November. This pattern of higher activity during the summer is common in coastal districts with significant tourism. For residents and business owners, this stability provides a degree of predictability, although the seasonal peaks underscore the importance of maintaining consistent security measures year-round. Consistent, long-term security is key to managing this risk.

How To Keep Safe in South Shields

The most common crime in South Shields is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings, especially when in the settlement's busier commercial and coastal areas.

When out at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone where possible. For residents, ensuring that your home's exterior is well-lit and that your property is clearly visible from the street can help deter anti-social behaviour. Given the significant rate of shoplifting and theft in the area, always keep a close eye on your personal belongings when in local shops or cafes. Additionally, with vehicle crime being a factor, always double-check that your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk and contribute to the overall safety of the South Shields community. Awareness is your best defence.

Time Patterns of Crime in South Shields

Crime in South Shields follows a distinct temporal pattern, with activity peaking during the afternoon and evening hours. Afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm) are particularly active for property-related offences, with 40% of all thefts and 18% of all burglaries occurring during this window. This suggests that opportunistic criminals target the settlement's busy commercial areas during peak daytime activity.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts slightly, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences becoming more prevalent, accounting for 61% of the 'other' crime category. Night-time (12am - 6am) remains a critical period for vehicle crime, with 26% of these incidents happening under the cover of darkness. In contrast, the morning hours (6am - 12pm) are the quietest period for most crime types, although theft still accounts for 38% of activity during this time. For residents, this data highlights the importance of maintaining robust security measures throughout the day, with a particular focus on securing vehicles overnight and homes during the afternoon.

Nearby Areas Comparison

In the context of the surrounding South Tyneside settlements, South Shields presents a high crime profile. While it is similar to Jarrow (142.5), it is significantly higher than Cleadon (37.2), East Boldon and West Boldon (60.1), and Boldon Colliery (118.3). South Shields' rate of 144.0 reflects its role as a major coastal hub with a busy town centre and significant visitor activity. For those considering the region, South Shields offers the most amenities but requires the most attention to personal and property security compared to its more tranquil and strictly residential neighbours. This positioning makes it the primary area for reported activity in the immediate vicinity.

Proactive Security in South Shields

With a property crime rate of 50.4 per 1,000 people, South Shields residents face a statistically higher risk of theft, burglary, and vehicle crime than the average UK citizen. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarm systems, are essentially reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an environment with elevated property crime, a focus on prevention is vital.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries. Unlike traditional systems that just record, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your door. By using multi-camera intelligence and identifying suspicious patterns, it can initiate autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audio warnings—to deter an intruder. This immediate deterrence is often enough to make a criminal move on to an easier target. For South Shields homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure their property against local crime trends and ensure their home remains a safe haven.