Washington Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Washington

Washington, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 53,191, has an overall crime rate of 97.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is slightly above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting that crime is marginally more common here than nationally. The property crime rate stands at 37.5 per 1,000 people, also exceeding the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Washington achieves a safety score of 78 out of 100, which aligns perfectly with the UK average, indicating a balanced level of safety. A positive trend is observed with crime decreasing significantly by 12.2% year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview of Washington's crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis.

Crime Type Analysis in Washington

An examination of crime types in Washington reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with 1,701 incidents, accounting for 33.0% of total crimes at a rate of 32.0 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second highest, with 798 crimes, representing 15.5% of the total at 15.0 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks third, with 550 occurrences, making up 10.7% of crimes at a rate of 10.3 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Washington, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, registers a rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people. This category specifically includes 315 burglaries (5.9 per 1,000), 234 vehicle crimes (4.4 per 1,000), and 305 other theft offences (5.7 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight the importance of securing properties and vehicles against opportunistic thieves. While violence and anti-social behaviour are prominent, the consistent presence of property crime underscores the need for vigilance and robust security measures to protect personal belongings and premises.

Crime Trends in Washington

Washington has experienced a significant positive shift in its crime statistics, with an impressive decreasing trend of 12.2% year-over-year. This substantial reduction indicates a notable improvement in the overall safety of the area compared to the previous 12-month period. Looking at the monthly crime rate per 1,000, there have been fluctuations. The rate was 8.6 in October 2024, slightly dropping to 8.4 in November and 7.3 in December 2024. After a dip to 6.2 in February 2025, rates generally increased, reaching 9.0 in May and August 2025, and 9.5 in September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the strong annual decrease suggests that crime prevention strategies are effectively enhancing safety for Washington residents.

Crime Time Patterns in Washington

Crime in Washington exhibits varying patterns throughout the day and night. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft and miscellaneous crime are particularly prominent, each accounting for 37% and 36% of offences respectively within this period. This often aligns with the start of the working day and increased public movement. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining a significant concern at 38%, with burglary also notably higher at 26%, potentially as properties are left unattended. As evening progresses (6pm-12am), miscellaneous crime becomes the most frequent type, representing 53% of incidents, while burglary and vehicle crime also feature. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime accounts for 30% of offences, alongside miscellaneous crime at 36% and burglary at 28%, indicating increased vulnerability for vehicles and properties during these quieter hours. These patterns highlight the importance of round-the-clock vigilance.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive understanding of local safety, Washington's crime statistics can be compared with several neighbouring areas. Springwell, Penshaw, Follingsby, and Birtley are all nearby settlements that offer relevant comparisons. These areas, while geographically close, may exhibit different crime profiles due to varying demographics, urban planning, and local activities. By examining Washington's data alongside these neighbours, residents can gain valuable regional context. This helps to illustrate how safety levels can differ even within a relatively small geographical radius, aiding in a more informed perspective on local crime rates.

Protecting Your Home in Washington

Given Washington's property crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average, residents are encouraged to consider robust home security solutions. Traditional security cameras often only provide a record of a crime after it has occurred, offering reactive rather than proactive protection. For true peace of mind, the focus should be on preventing criminal activity from taking place at all.

AI-powered home security operating systems, such as scOS, are designed to offer proactive defence. These systems detect threats at your property's boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to monitor simultaneously and learn your routines. This allows for precise alerts and autonomous responses, such as activating lights or engaging speakers, which can deter potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. In the crucial 60 seconds a burglar takes to decide, visible and intelligent deterrence can make them move on. While basic DIY systems can notify you, professional-grade, AI-driven security actively intervenes, providing a significant advantage in safeguarding your property against the prevalent property crime rates in Washington.