The North East of England, often overlooked, offers a blend of vibrant urban centers and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling streets of Newcastle to the serene expanses of Northumberland National Park and the historical stretches of Hadrian’s Wall, this region serves as a cultural and economic powerhouse, home to over 2.65 million people.
Despite its rich industrial and historical roots, the North East faces significant challenges with crime affecting both cities and rural communities. For those considering setting up a home or starting a business here, being aware of local crime rates is vital for ensuring personal and property safety.
At ZAM FM Ltd, the UK’s top SIA Approved Contractor, we specialize in providing security solutions tailored to protect your interests. Our latest analysis will detail the most dangerous areas in the North East, offering insights into recent crime trends and weapon offenses, helping you make informed decisions about your safety and security.
Overview Of Crime In The North East
Sadly, the overall state of crime in the North East is a grim one. Soaring crime rates combined with relatively low population figures makes the North East the 2nd worst region in the UK for criminality, with an overall crime rate of 110.5 offences per 1000 people. These figures tally up to a shocking 296,542 offences across the area, and while this is generally lower than most other regions in the UK, diminished population figures largely offset any regional reductions in crime. As a result, the North East has some of the highest crime to population ratios of anywhere in the UK.
Much like neighbouring regions, violent crime (39%) and theft offences (30%) make up the bulk of the North East’s crime statistics. These are closely followed by other major concerns like public order offences (11%) and criminal damage and arson (13%), while more serious incidents like sexual crimes (3.5%), drug offences (2.5%), and weapon possession (0.9%) are reported at lesser frequencies.
Worryingly, crime across the area is not showing any signs of slowing, with an overall 6% increase since the previous year. That includes dramatic rises in certain types of offences, such as a 45% increase in instances of shoplifting, and a 20% increase in robbery. Very few crimes are following a downward trend in the North East, and those that are falling are only doing so by a couple of points. All of this combines to paint a bleak picture, with crime worsening across the board, which will undoubtedly send ripples of concern through the community.
Read Also: Top 25 Most Dangerous Areas In England And Wales (2024 Updated)
The 25 Most Dangerous Areas In The North East Revealed
25. Jarrow
Crime Rate: 143.5 Per 1000 People
Located just east of Newcastle, Jarrow is situated on the southern bank of the River Tyne and serves as a major crossing point with traffic and pedestrian tunnels beneath the river. Despite its historic monasteries and abbeys, Jarrow faces a high crime rate of 143.5 offenses per 1000 people, totaling 4,227 offenses.
24. Amble
Crime Rate: 145.1 Per 1000 People
Amble, a quaint coastal village in Northumberland, is positioned at the mouth of the River Coquet, flowing into the North Sea. The village has a significant maritime presence, including harbors and piers. However, it has a crime rate of 145.1 per 1000 residents, with 850 illegal incidents recorded last year.
23. Wallsend
Crime Rate: 146.4 Per 1000 People
Wallsend, aptly named for its location at the end of Hadrian’s Wall, is built on the site of Segedunum, a Roman fort. The historical stronghold of law and order has faded, with the town recording 6,628 criminal offenses last year, a rate of 146.4 per 1000 residents.
22. Newton Aycliffe
Crime Rate: 148.0 Per 1000 People
Located west of the Tees Valley, Newton Aycliffe was built to relocate citizens from cities damaged in the Second World War. Despite its unique design, the town has a high crime rate of 148 offenses per 1000 residents, totaling 3,814 offenses last year.
21. Blyth
Crime Rate: 150.2 Per 1000 People
On the Northumberland coast, Blyth has a history in shipbuilding and now handles significant cargo through its port. The crime rate stands at 150.2 per 1000 people, with 5,968 instances of crime.
20. Sunderland
Crime Rate: 151.1 Per 1000 People
Sunderland, sprawling on either side of the River Wear, has evolved from trading in fish and salt to shipbuilding and glassmaking, and more recently, automotive manufacturing. The city has a crime rate of 151.1 per 1000 residents, tallying 25,435 offenses.
19. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Crime Rate: 154.0 Per 1000 People
Newbiggin, located on the coast with its bay and large beach, is a popular destination in summer. Nonetheless, the town faces a crime rate of 154 offenses per 1000 people, amounting to 917 illegal incidents last year.
18. Willington
Crime Rate: 159.2 Per 1000 People
In County Durham, Willington was impacted by the closure of its colliery and the decline of the coal industry. The town has a high crime rate of 159.2 per 1000 residents, with 905 offenses over the past year.
17. Hartlepool
Crime Rate: 163.1 Per 1000 People
A major port town beyond the Tees Valley, Hartlepool has connections to the North Sea with its dockside, marina, and fishery. The town recorded a crime rate of 163.1 per 1000 people, totaling 14,347 offenses.
16. South Shields
Crime Rate: 164.1 Per 1000 People
At the mouth of the River Tyne, South Shields is noted for its lighthouse guiding seaborne vessels. The town offers parks and beaches but struggles with a crime rate of 164.1 per 1000 residents, resulting in 12,032 criminal counts.
15. Houghton-le-Spring
Crime Rate: 164.9 Per 1000 People
Located southwest of Sunderland, Houghton-le-Spring is known for its traditional October feast, involving a ten-day festival with fireworks and historical events. The small population contributes to a high crime rate of 164.9 per 1000 residents, with 2,070 offenses reported last year.
14. Redcar & Cleveland
Crime Rate: 165.8 Per 1000 People
Redcar and Cleveland stretches from the River Tees to Saltburn in North Yorkshire, though often considered part of the North East. The area reports a high crime rate of 165.8 offences per 1000 people, totaling 6,243 crimes.
13. Middlesbrough
Crime Rate: 170.2 Per 1000 People
Centrally located in Tees Valley, Middlesbrough lies along the River Tees. Known for its industrial background in ironworks, coal, and shipbuilding, the town now faces a crime rate of 170.2 per 1000 residents, with 25,233 crimes reported.
12. Morpeth
Crime Rate: 172.3 Per 1000 People
Situated inland on the River Wansbeck in Northumberland, Morpeth is a town rich in history, dating back to the stone age. Despite its small size, the crime rate is high at 172.3 per 1000 people, with 2,485 crimes recorded.
11. Ferryhill
Crime Rate: 174.2 Per 1000 People
Ferryhill, named after a natural limestone gap, developed around the coal mining industry. With the last mine closed in 1968, the town struggles with a crime rate of 174.2 per 1000 residents, resulting in 1,543 crimes.
10. Murton
Crime Rate: 176.8 Per 1000 People
Previously a coal mining town, Murton saw significant changes with the closure of its colliery. The crime rate stands at 176.8 per 1000 people, with 1,281 total crimes reported.
9. Peterlee
Crime Rate: 177.5 Per 1000 People
Designed to house miners, Peterlee is named after miner leader Peter Lee. The town has a crime rate of 177.5 per 1000 residents, with 3,505 offences reported last year.
8. Horden
Crime Rate: 178.9 Per 1000 People
Adjacent to Peterlee, Horden is close to the Durham coast, separated from the sea by grasslands and dunes. It has a crime rate of 178.9 per 1000 people, totaling 6,807 crimes.
7. Stockton-on-Tees
Crime Rate: 179.7 Per 1000 People
Across the river from Middlesbrough, Stockton is known for its railway history. However, it suffers from a crime rate of 179.7 per 1000 people, with 15,240 crimes reported.
6. Stanley
Crime Rate: 180.8 Per 1000 People
Near County Durham and Tyne and Wear, Stanley has transitioned from an industrial past to a commercial area but still reports a high crime rate of 180.8 per 1000 residents, with 3,513 crimes.
5. Easington
Crime Rate: 181.8 Per 1000 People
Near Peterlee and Horden, Easington was home to Durham’s last coal mine until 1993. The town has a crime rate of 181.8 per 1000 people, with 1,266 crimes reported.
4. Shildon
Crime Rate: 182.2 Per 1000 People
Located between Darlington and Durham, Shildon hosts the Locomotion railway museum but struggles with a crime rate of 182.2 per 1000 people, totaling 1,758 offences.
3. Ashington
Crime Rate: 182.2 Per 1000 People
Close to Newcastle, Ashington is distinct for its Pitmatic dialect, derived from mining jargon. The town reports a crime rate of 182.2 per 1000 people, with 5,042 incidents.
2. Eston
Crime Rate: 184.3 Per 1000 People
On the outskirts of Middlesbrough, Eston was crucial in the steel industry. Currently, the area faces a crime rate of 184.3 per 1000 people, totaling 5,460 offences.
1. Thornaby-on-Tees
Crime Rate: 187.0 Per 1000 People
Thornaby, located opposite Middlesbrough along the River Tees, records the highest crime rate in the North East at 187.0 per 1000 residents, with a total of 4,366 crimes.
This analysis reveals the challenging circumstances these areas face, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and community support to enhance safety and reduce crime rates.
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Key Crime Trends Across The North East
Recent crime statistics combined with data from previous years highlight a troubling trend in the North East. Crime rates have increased by 6% over the last year—one of the highest regional upsurges in the UK. This rise in criminal activity, showing no signs of abatement, is causing concern among residents and businesses.
Shoplifting has seen a particularly dramatic rise of 45%, prompting many store owners to enhance their security measures. Other notable increases include a 20% rise in robbery, a 15% increase in theft offences, and a 14% rise in both vehicle and drug-related crimes. These increases are reflective of a national trend, influenced by the current economic pressures which are making theft more appealing.
Conversely, only a few crime categories show declines, with the most significant drop observed in bicycle theft, which improved by 16%. Other minor reductions include criminal damage & arson (2% decrease), public order offences (1% decrease), and non-residential burglary (7% decrease). These minor decreases do little to offset the significant upticks in more severe and prevalent crime categories such as violent crime and drug offences.
Weapon Offences Across The North East
Amid ongoing discussions about Martyn’s Law and increasing weapon-related crimes, we analyzed knife and gun crime statistics in North East England. The findings reveal worrying trends: knife crime has increased by 12%, from 2,165 to 2,433 offences, and gun crime has risen by 10%, from 339 to 374 offences. These statistics underscore a continuing and distressing rise in weapon offences in the area.
This pattern of escalating weapon crime is unsettling for both the community and law enforcement agencies tasked with addressing these challenges.
How Does ZAM FM Source Our Data?
ZAM FM is dedicated to providing an impartial perspective on crime in the North East. Our data sourcing is transparent and methodical: we obtain figures from the open-source website police.uk and manually tally these against population data from the 2021 census. This allows us to calculate crime ratios per 1,000 residents, considering factors like population size and urban density to accurately reflect regional crime rates.
We cover crime data spanning a full year from May 2023 to 2024, including overall crime figures and specific crime types, showing percentage changes year over year. Our content is updated regularly to provide the latest crime statistics for the North East.