The Latest Newcastle Crime Trends Every Resident and Business Owner Must See

Newcastle upon Tyne is a city known for its warm and welcoming Geordie spirit. Famous for its friendly locals, thriving nightlife and passionate football fans, Newcastle is a place where community pride runs deep. Beyond its charm and booming businesses, however, the city also faces challenges with crime, making it essential for residents and business owners to stay informed about crime trends and security risks.

This report explores the latest crime data for Newcastle upon Tyne, highlighting overall crime rates, the most common offences and the areas with the highest and lowest crime levels.

Newcastle Crime Rate Overview

According to Plumplot, as of January 2025, the overall crime rate in Newcastle upon Tyne stands at 125.1 crimes per 1,000 people. This places Newcastle above the national average and ranks it 29th out of 99 postcode areas in England and Wales for crime levels.

Violent Crime in Newcastle

Violent crime remains a significant issue in the city, accounting for 31.3% of all reported crimes, with 46,000 incidents recorded between January and December 2024. While this represents a 7.8% decrease from the previous year, the violent crime rate in Newcastle is still 12% higher than the national average, highlighting an ongoing concern.

Crime Breakdown by Category

Newcastle experiences a variety of crime types, some of which are well above the national average. Below is a breakdown of the most prevalent crimes:

Crime Rate by Area

As with most cities, crime rates vary across different parts of Newcastle. While some neighbourhoods experience higher crime levels, others maintain relatively low crime rates. Staying informed about crime trends is important for both residents and business owners, as understanding the risks in their area allows them to take the necessary steps to safeguard their homes, businesses and assets. Proactive security measures, community awareness and appropriate crime strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.

Higher Crime Areas:

Byker – Reports an annual crime rate of 312 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it one of the city’s highest-risk areas.

Monument – The highest crime area in Newcastle, with 813 crimes per 1,000 residents annually.

Lower Crime Areas:

Parklands – Records 52.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it among the safest neighbourhoods in the city.

Castle – Reports a crime rate of 61.9 per 1,000 residents, also considered a low-risk area.

Data source: Crystal Roof

Crime Trends Over Three Years

Over the past three years, certain crimes in Newcastle have been on an upward trend, growing at a rate that surpasses the national average. These rising crime rates highlight the need for continued vigilance and targeted crime prevention strategies. Below are some of the key crime categories that have shown a significant increase in recent years.

• Shoplifting: 44% increase over three years, with a Crime Rate Index trend of 2.21 times the national average as of September 2024.
• Drugs Offences: 33% increase over three years, with a Crime Rate Index trend of 1.13 times the national average.
• Robbery: 26% increase over three years, with a Crime Rate Index trend of 0.96 times the national average.

Security Considerations for Newcastle Businesses

Given Newcastle’s higher-than-average crime rates in categories such as violent crime, antisocial behaviour and shoplifting, business owners should take proactive security measures to protect their premises, staff and customers. Our recommendations are as follows:

On-Site Security Guards
Visible security guards present a strong deterrent against theft, vandalism and unauthorised access. Having trained security personnel on-site means a rapid response to potential threats, making them particularly valuable for high-traffic retail environments, office buildings and warehouses.

CCTV & Surveillance
Quality CCTV systems and surveillance technology helps monitor activity and provides important evidence if a crime occurs. Modern surveillance systems offer high-definition video quality, remote access and real-time monitoring, which allows business owners to keep an eye on their premises even when they are away.

Mobile Patrols
Mobile security patrols are effective for businesses in retail parks, industrial estates and other sizeable high-risk areas. These patrols offer a visible security presence and can cover large areas efficiently, responding swiftly to suspicious activity or security breaches.

Alarm Response & Keyholding
Alarm Response and Keyholding services ensure a swift, professional response to security breaches without putting employees at risk. Professional keyholding services mean businesses can avoid sending untrained staff to deal with potentially dangerous situations and security concerns are handled by experts.

Access Control System
By restricting entry to authorised personnel only, you reduce the risk of theft and trespassing. Advanced access control systems, such as biometric scanners and keycard entry, allow businesses to monitor and control who enters specific areas, reducing internal theft risks and improving overall security.

Newcastle upon Tyne remains one of the more crime-affected cities in England, with several crime categories ranking above the national average. While violent crime and antisocial behaviour continue to pose challenges, reductions in public order offences and vehicle crime indicate some positive trends. Businesses and residents should remain vigilant, particularly in higher-risk areas and invest in effective security measures to safeguard property and people.

Take Action Today

Triton Security offers expert security solutions tailored to your needs, providing services such as CCTV surveillance, mobile patrols and on-site security guards.

Contact Triton Security today for a free, no-obligation quotation and find out how we can help you protect what matters most.