Newmarket Crime Rate

Newmarket is a secure and stable town with a safety score of 82/100, which is comfortably above the UK national average of 79. The town's annual crime rate is 73.0 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Over the recent period from January to December 2025, the crime trend in Newmarket has remained stable, with a slight decrease of 1.4%. This data indicates a safe environment for both residents and visitors. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime reported in Newmarket and explores the time patterns of these incidents to help you understand the local safety landscape.

Crime in Newmarket

Newmarket's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.7% of all reports (602 incidents). Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 10.3% (157 crimes), followed closely by criminal damage and arson at 9.8% (149 crimes). These figures reflect Newmarket's status as a bustling town with a significant retail sector and a prominent evening economy.

The overall property crime rate in Newmarket is 27.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 157 shoplifting reports, 86 'other theft' incidents, 69 burglaries, and 63 vehicle crimes. While this rate is below the UK average of 32.2, the high incidence of shoplifting and criminal damage indicates that both businesses and residential properties face persistent threats. For homeowners, burglary represents 4.5% of total crime, which is slightly higher than in some neighbouring areas. The data suggests that proactive security is important for residents to protect their homes and vehicles from opportunistic theft and vandalism.

Crime Trends in Newmarket

The crime trend in Newmarket is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.4%. This indicates that the town's safety environment has remained consistent over the last 12 months. Monthly data for 2025 shows some fluctuation, with a peak in August at 7.8 per 1,000 people and another high in July at 6.7. These summer peaks are common in many towns and do not suggest a significant shift in the overall risk profile.

The lowest crime rate was recorded in March at 4.6 per 1,000, while the rest of the year generally hovered between 5.4 and 6.6. The end of the year saw a slight dip from 6.6 in October to 5.4 in December. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, as it indicates a predictable safety landscape. The lack of major upward or downward trends suggests that current crime prevention strategies are effectively maintaining a steady level of safety in the Newmarket area.

How To Keep Safe in Newmarket

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Newmarket. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking through the town centre during the evening and late-night hours. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through quiet or unlit areas. If you are out late, try to travel with a group of friends and plan your journey home in advance.

Given the significant number of shoplifting and criminal damage incidents, it is also wise to be vigilant with your personal belongings in public spaces. Keep your bags closed and close to you, and never leave valuables unattended. For residents, ensure your home is well-secured by locking all doors and windows, even when you are inside. Vehicle crime is another factor to consider; always lock your car and remove any visible items from the seats or dashboard. Since vehicle crime and burglary peak at night, parking in a well-lit area or a secure garage can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Crime Patterns in Newmarket

Analysis of crime timing in Newmarket shows that the afternoon and evening are the periods of highest activity. Between 12pm and 6pm, theft-related offences are at their peak, accounting for 41% of all crimes during this window. This is followed by the evening period (6pm to 12am), where 'other' crimes, including criminal damage and public order offences, rise significantly to make up 55% of the total.

During the night-time hours (12am to 6am), the crime profile shifts, with vehicle crime becoming a major concern, representing 27% of all incidents. This is the highest proportion of vehicle crime across any time period. Burglary also peaks during the night (22%) and afternoon (20%), suggesting that residential properties are most vulnerable when occupants are either asleep or away during the day. These patterns highlight the importance of 24-hour security for both homes and vehicles in Newmarket.

Newmarket is situated in a region with varying crime levels. Its rate of 73.0 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of nearby Exning, which stands at 103.5. However, it is higher than the more rural neighbouring area of Cheveley, which reports a rate of 32.9. Other small settlements like Snailwell and Landwade show negligible crime activity. This comparison highlights Newmarket's position as a safer alternative to some neighbouring urban areas while still experiencing the typical activity levels of a regional commercial and leisure hub. For those looking for a balance of safety and town amenities, Newmarket offers a secure environment.

Home Security in Newmarket

With a property crime rate of 27.7 per 1,000 people, residents of Newmarket should consider the limitations of traditional security systems. In a town where shoplifting and criminal damage are prevalent, residential properties can also be targeted by opportunistic thieves. Standard CCTV and video doorbells are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or damage.

scOS offers a proactive solution that uses AI to stop crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can detect suspicious activity before an intruder even reaches your door. The system's multi-camera intelligence can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential threat, and it can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio deterrents. For homeowners in Newmarket, where burglary accounts for 4.5% of crime, scOS provides a powerful layer of prevention that reactive systems simply cannot match, ensuring that your home and vehicles remain secure.