Whitburn Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Whitburn’s crime profile in May 2024, accounting for 41% of all reported crimes, making this category the most significant driver of the area’s overall crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure is 10.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively safer environment compared to national trends. The breakdown reveals a mix of crime types, with anti-social behaviour (20.5%) and burglary (10.3%) also contributing significantly. While violence and sexual offences remain 9% above the UK average, burglary is elevated at 158% above the national rate of 0.3 per 1,000. Seasonal factors, such as longer evenings and the socialising that often accompanies them, may likely contribute to the spike in violent crime. The area’s built-up character within South Tyneside—possibly influenced by local demographics and land use—could also explain the higher burglary rates, as residential areas with limited surveillance or security measures may be more vulnerable. Shoplifting is 6% below the UK average, which may indicate effective retail security measures or a lower incidence of opportunistic theft. These patterns suggest that while Whitburn is generally safer than the UK average, targeted interventions may be necessary to address the specific risks posed by violent crime and burglary.

May 2024 marked a dramatic surge in burglary, with a 300% increase from 1 to 4 incidents, and a similarly steep rise in violence and sexual offences, which jumped from 4 to 16 cases—a 300% increase. These shifts reflect a significant imbalance in the crime mix, with violent crime now dominating at 41% of all reports, compared to property crimes at 31% (12 out of 39). Burglary, while still a minority category, is 158% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting local vulnerabilities that may be linked to seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased socialising. Conversely, public order offences fell by 33.3%, and other crime dropped by two-thirds, though these decreases are less impactful given their smaller share of the total. For residents, the 300% rise in burglary underscores the importance of securing homes during the month, particularly as bank holidays and extended daylight hours may contribute to heightened activity.

Whitburn's crime rate in May 2024 rose 69.3% compared to 4.4 per 1,000 in the previous month, marking a notable shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported each day in May, a figure that provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents. When scaled to the population of 5,233, this translates to one reported crime for every 134 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the impact of crime on the community. While the increase in crime is stark compared to April, the overall rate remains 10.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This contrast highlights the area’s unique position relative to national trends, with local factors likely playing a role in shaping these outcomes. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while the rise is significant, the absolute number of incidents remains relatively low compared to broader UK benchmarks.