Whitburn (South Tyneside) Crime Rate

Whitburn recorded a crime rate of 69.4 per 1,000 people for the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6, establishing the town as a safe coastal residential area. Whitburn boasts an impressive safety score of 85/100, which is well above the UK national average of 79. The crime trend is currently stable, with a slight year-over-year increase of 4.9%. Despite this minor rise, Whitburn remains one of the more secure locations in the region. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics, temporal patterns, and practical safety advice for residents.

In Whitburn, the crime landscape is primarily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.2% of all reports. Shoplifting is also significant at 21.8%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.7%. For residents, property-related crime is a present factor, with the combined rate for offences such as burglary, vehicle crime, and theft standing at 28.7 per 1,000 people. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 2.1 per 1,000 (3.0% of total crime), vehicle crime accounts for 3.3% of reports. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 5.8% to the local crime profile. The high percentage of shoplifting suggests that commercial areas in Whitburn are the primary focus for theft, but homeowners should remain vigilant regarding vehicle and general property security to maintain the area's high safety standards.

Whitburn is currently seeing a stable safety trend, with a minor year-over-year increase in crime of 4.9%. Monthly data from 2025 shows the crime rate starting at 6.9 in January and reaching a peak of 8.0 in June. Following this mid-year high, the rate generally declined, ending the year at 3.6 in December, the lowest rate of the 12-month period. This downward trajectory toward the end of the year is an encouraging sign for the community. Residents can take confidence in the fact that while there has been a slight annual rise, the current direction is positive and the overall crime rate remains low.

How To Keep Safe in Whitburn (South Tyneside)

The most common crime in Whitburn is violence and sexual offences, though the overall volume is low. For personal safety, we recommend being aware of your surroundings, especially when walking along coastal paths or in less populated areas after dark. Stick to well-lit routes where possible and let someone know your expected arrival time.

Given that shoplifting accounts for nearly 22% of total crime, local business owners should ensure they have robust retail security. For homeowners, the 28.7 per 1,000 property crime rate means home security should be a priority. Burglary in Whitburn peaks at night (23%) and in the afternoon (20%). Ensure all windows and doors are locked when you are out and consider installing a high-quality security system. For vehicle owners, be aware that vehicle crime spikes significantly to 33% of all reports during the night (midnight to 6am). Always park your car in a garage or a secure, well-lit driveway and never leave valuables inside. These simple, proactive steps can help maintain the area's excellent safety record and protect your property from opportunistic theft.

Crime in Whitburn follows a clear temporal pattern. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft-related incidents, particularly shoplifting, as local businesses are active. However, as evening approaches, the profile shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which account for 49% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time hours (midnight to 6am) see a significant increase in vehicle crime, which rises to 33% of all reported incidents. Burglary risk is also highest at night (23%) and in the afternoon (20%), suggesting that residents should be equally vigilant about securing their homes during the day and overnight.

Whitburn sits in a diverse local crime landscape. Its rate of 69.4 per 1,000 is much safer than the urban hub of South Shields (144.5) and the extremely high rate in nearby South Bents (226.4). However, it is busier than the nearby villages of Cleadon (37.0) and East Boldon and West Boldon (57.4). For those considering the area, Whitburn offers a peaceful coastal environment with a crime profile that is significantly more favourable than the larger towns in the local authority, while still being more active than the quietest rural villages.

In the coastal town of Whitburn, while the property crime rate is a relatively low 28.7 per 1,000, the impact of a burglary or vehicle theft remains a significant concern for residents. High-value coastal properties can often attract opportunistic criminals. Traditional security—like standard alarms or basic CCTV—is reactive, only providing evidence after a crime has been committed. For those who value prevention, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered alternative. scOS monitors your property's boundary in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before an intruder even reaches your door. By identifying suspicious patterns and verified vehicles, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audio warnings—that disrupt a criminal's plan in the critical 60 seconds of their decision-making. This professional-grade deterrence is the best way to maintain the high safety standards that Whitburn residents expect.