Washington Crime Rate

Washington currently has an overall crime rate of 96.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is slightly above the UK average of 93.1, but the area maintains a safety score of 78/100, which is exactly in line with the UK national average. Most notably, Washington has seen a significant decreasing trend in crime, with a year-over-year reduction of 11.7%. This double-digit decline is a very positive indicator for the community, suggesting that the area is becoming safer at a faster rate than many other parts of the country. The data below breaks down these statistics to help residents understand the local safety environment.

In Washington, the top three reported crimes are violence and sexual offences (32.7%), anti-social behaviour (15.4%), and shoplifting (11.2%). For residents and property owners, property crime is a significant factor, with a collective rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, which makes up 6.0% of all crime, and vehicle crime at 4.0%. Criminal damage and arson also represent a notable 10.0% of the total. These figures indicate that while personal safety is the most frequent concern, there is a consistent level of opportunistic property-related crime that homeowners should address through proactive security measures.

Washington is experiencing a strong downward trend in crime, with an 11.7% decrease over the last year. Monthly data shows the rate peaked in September 2025 at 9.5 per 1,000, but generally stayed below 9.0 for most of the year. The lowest point was in February 2025 at 6.2. Despite some fluctuations in the summer and autumn months, the overall trajectory is clearly negative, meaning the area is consistently becoming safer. This trend is a positive sign for residents and suggests that local safety initiatives are proving effective.

How To Keep Safe in Washington

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Washington. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when walking in public, especially during the evening. Stick to well-traversed, well-lit routes and avoid isolated paths. For homeowners, the 10% rate of criminal damage and arson suggests that keeping your property well-maintained and clearly visible can act as a deterrent. Ensure that all gates are locked and that there are no easy hiding spots near entry points. If you notice any anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common crime here, reporting it promptly to the police can help them target their patrols more effectively. Community awareness is key to maintaining the downward trend in local crime.

Crime in Washington follows a predictable daily cycle. Theft and shoplifting are most concentrated during the morning (38%) and afternoon (39%) hours, aligning with the operating times of local businesses. As the day progresses, the crime profile shifts. By evening, 52% of crimes fall into the 'Other' category, which often includes anti-social behaviour. Night-time brings a significant shift in property crime; vehicle crime peaks at 30% between midnight and 6am, and burglary reaches its highest point of 28% during the same period. This suggests that while daytime risks are largely commercial, residential property and vehicles are most at risk during the late-night hours.

Washington's crime rate of 96.8 per 1,000 places it in the middle of nearby areas. It is significantly safer than Birtley (101.9) but has a higher crime rate than Springwell (27.1). Other nearby areas like Penshaw and Follingsby report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset, suggesting they are much quieter residential or industrial pockets. For those living in the region, Washington offers a balanced urban profile that is currently seeing a strong improvement in its safety statistics compared to its more active neighbours.

With property crime in Washington sitting at 37.6 per 1,000, homeowners should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard cameras only record a burglary while it is happening, which does little to prevent the loss of property or the violation of your home. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, it can identify suspicious behaviour and activate autonomous deterrents—like lights and speakers—before an intruder even reaches your door. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent risks, particularly at night, having a system that prevents the crime rather than just recording it provides the highest level of security for Washington residents.