Whitburn Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Whitburn’s crime profile in May 2025, accounting for 35.9% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, was 5% below the UK average, a finding consistent with the area’s relatively low violent crime trends compared to larger urban centres. The overall crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents was 7.4% below the UK average of 8.1, a figure that underscores Whitburn’s position as a built-up area with a crime profile distinct from national patterns. Seasonal factors appear to have influenced the data, with longer evenings and the presence of bank holidays likely contributing to the 14 reported cases of violence and sexual offences. Shoplifting, the second most common category at 18.0% of total crimes, stood out as 94% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the area’s retail density or the presence of high-footfall areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 10.3% of total crimes, was 44% below the UK average, a contrast that could indicate effective community policing or a lower incidence of disruptive behaviour in local spaces. The mix of crime types—balancing property crimes (15 cases) and violent crimes (14 cases)—suggests a combination of local dynamics, with no single factor dominating the landscape. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the marked variations in specific categories highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas such as retail crime and youth-related anti-social behaviour.

May 2025 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with other theft rising by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and burglary doubling from 0 to 2. These jumps, while small in absolute terms, signal potential shifts in criminal activity. Shoplifting, already 94% above the UK average (0.7 vs 1.3 per 1,000), grew by 40%, a trend that may reflect seasonal demand for retail items during May’s bank holidays. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 20% (from 5 to 4 incidents), possibly linked to increased policing during the month. The category of other crime fell by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), though this remains 150% above the UK average. For residents, the stark contrast between shoplifting’s elevated rate and the drop in anti-social behaviour illustrates the volatility of crime patterns even within a short timeframe. These fluctuations highlight the need for ongoing community engagement to address emerging issues.

Whitburn’s crime rate in May 2025 rose 5.4% from 7.1 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents compared to April, reflecting a slight upward trend. This increase aligns with seasonal patterns typical for the area, where longer evenings and bank holidays may encourage outdoor socialising and drinking. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day over the 31 days of May, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in a small built-up area. When scaled to the population of 5,233, this translates to one reported crime for every 134 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is a useful benchmark for residents, as it illustrates the likelihood of encountering crime in a community of this size. While the overall rate remains 7.4% below the UK average, specific categories like shoplifting and other theft reveal marked discrepancies, suggesting that local factors—such as retail density or community policing efforts—may influence these trends.