Cleveland, Durham, and Northumbria make up the three counties of the North East. Among them, Cleveland stands out as one of the most dangerous places to live in England and Wales, according to a study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). With approximately 122.1 crimes per 1,000 population, Cleveland recorded the highest crime rate of all police force areas in England and Wales in 2024/25, sitting well above the national average of 84 per 1,000 and surpassing major urban areas including London. While total recorded crime in Cleveland has been following a decreasing trend, challenges remain in key categories such as sexual offences and robbery
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The Most Dangerous Cities in the Northeast of England
The North East of England is home to some of the most vibrant and populous cities in the UK. However, with urban density comes elevated crime, and the region consistently ranks among the most challenging in England and Wales for recorded offences.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), police across England and Wales recorded 6.7 million crimes in the year ending September 2025 — and the North East contributes disproportionately to that figure. With approximately 122.1 crimes per 1,000 population, Cleveland had the highest crime rate of all 43 police force areas in England and Wales in 2024/25, according to ONS Police Force Area data tables. Violence against the person and theft remain the most commonly recorded offence categories across the region.
Nationally, homicides fell to 499 in the year ending September 2025 — the lowest figure since current police recording practices began — and knife offences dropped by 9% to 50,430. While these national trends offer some encouragement, the North East continues to face significant challenges, with several of its force areas recording crime rates well above both the regional and national averages. Office for National Statistics
The most dangerous cities and areas within the region, as identified through ONS Police Force Area data, are:
- Cleveland
- Newcastle (Northumbria)
- Sunderland (Northumbria)
- Durham
- Northumbria
Cleveland Crime
Cleveland holds the unwanted title of the highest crime rate of any police force area in England and Wales. According to ONS Police Force Area data tables, Cleveland recorded approximately 122.1 crimes per 1,000 population in 2024/25 — the highest rate of all 43 police force areas in England and Wales. This compares starkly against the England and Wales average of 87.2 crimes per 1,000 people. StatistaStatista
The label of ‘crime capital of England’ continues to apply. Cleveland holds the highest rate of most serious violence per 1,000 population nationally, the second-highest level of knife crime, and the second-highest level of firearms offences of any police force area. Cleveland has the second highest rate of knife crime per head of population nationally, at 154 per 100,000, and one in 20 crimes in Cleveland is categorised as a serious violence offence — most commonly linked to domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol, and weapons. PccPcc
Sexual offences remain a persistent concern. In the 12 months to September 2025, sexual violence within Cleveland increased by 16.2%, adding 282 offences compared to the previous year, even as overall violence crime fell by 6%. Pcc
There are, however, signs of progress. Total recorded crime in Cleveland continued a decreasing trend in 2025, with a 5% reduction outperforming the national England and Wales average. Neighbourhood crime fell by 15.9%, with vehicle crime and residential burglary dropping by 29.3% and 17.8% respectively. Despite these improvements, Cleveland’s crime rate remains significantly above the national average, and the force area continues to face deep-rooted challenges driven by economic deprivation across Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Newcastle Crime
Newcastle upon Tyne is the most dangerous major city in Tyne & Wear, and ranks among the top 5 most dangerous locations overall out of Tyne & Wear’s 28 towns, villages, and cities. In 2026, the overall crime rate in Newcastle upon Tyne stands at 83 crimes per 1,000 people — 8% higher than the Tyne & Wear regional rate of 76 per 1,000 daytime population, and 15% higher than the England, Wales, and Northern Ireland national figure. crimerate
The most common crimes in Newcastle upon Tyne are violence and sexual offences, with 11,094 offences recorded in 2026 — a rate of 31 per 1,000 people. This represents a notable 14% decrease from 2025’s figure of 12,871 offences, reflecting an improving trend in this category. crimerate
Shoplifting, robbery, and public order offences are the crime types where Newcastle performs worst relative to the national average. Shoplifting stands at 1.63 times the national average with 4,174 reports, while robbery is 1.53 times the national average, with 657 cases recorded. Public order offences are 1.33 times the national average. crimerate
On a more positive note, possession of weapons offences has seen a dramatic improvement, falling 64% over the past three years, with 346 cases recorded in 2026 — now sitting at just 1.15 times the national average. Violence and sexual offences are also trending sharply downward, declining 40% over the same three-year period. crimerate
Despite these improvements, Newcastle’s crime rate remains above both the regional and national averages, and the city’s vibrant nightlife continues to be a contributing factor to the concentration of offences in certain areas.
Sunderland Crime
With a crime rate of 79 crimes per 1,000 people in 2026, Sunderland ranks as the second most dangerous major town in Tyne & Wear — sitting 9% higher than the England, Wales, and Northern Ireland national average. The most common crimes in Sunderland are violence and sexual offences, with 9,245 offences recorded in 2026. However, the figure is gradually declining, down 13% compared to 2025’s total of 10,590 offences. The same cannot be said for robbery and burglary, though. Robbery has seen a sharp rise of 96% over the past three years, while burglary offences have climbed 58% over the same period, with 1,314 cases recorded and a CrimeRate Index of 1.40 times the national average, according to CrimeRate.
Durham Crime
As of May 2026, Durham’s overall crime rate stands at 110.8 crimes per 1,000 people — 111% of the national crime average, meaning the area has moved back above the national benchmark. Durham continues to show a mixed picture of improvements and persistent pressures across crime categories. plumplot
The most striking concern is criminal damage and arson, which is Durham’s highest-ranking crime category relative to the national average, sitting at 168% of the national crime rate — placing Durham 4th out of 99 postcode areas in England and Wales for this offence type, with 3,600 cases recorded and a 2.8% year-on-year increase.
Robbery has seen the sharpest surge of any crime category, rising by 58.7% over the last twelve months, while theft from the person has also climbed significantly, up 41.2%. Anti-social behaviour accounts for 19.5% of all crime in the area and sits at 135% of the national rate, with a 12.4% annual increase.
There are, however, encouraging declines in several categories. Burglary has fallen by 12%, drugs crime by 10.9%, possession of weapons by 14.6%, and bicycle theft by 46.6%. Other theft crime has also decreased by 6.9%.
Durham’s crime profile in 2026 reflects an area in transition — meaningful reductions in some serious categories are being offset by sharp rises in robbery and anti-social behaviour, keeping the overall rate above the national average.
Northumbria Crime
Whilst Northumbria’s crime rate remains the lowest on this list, it still ranks among the most significant policing areas in the North East. The crime rate across Northumbria Police’s force area stands at 83 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12-month period ending August 2025, with violence and sexual offences the most commonly reported crimes at approximately 33 per 1,000 daytime population. CrimeRate
Serious violence and knife crime continued their downward trend through 2024, with knife offences falling 5.7% year-on-year. However, robbery has surged 97% over three years, now sitting above the national average, while shoplifting and criminal damage and arson both remain well above national benchmarks at 1.45 and 1.41 times the national rate respectively. Northumbria-pccCrimeRate
These persistent pressures in robbery and property crime ensure Northumbria remains firmly on this list
Our Services Within the North East
With unsteady crime rates in the North East region, it’s no wonder business owners are looking to protect their properties and assets. To combat this, we provide security guards that operate within the North East region, and across the UK. Our services can support a range of industries, such as construction, warehouse and retail businesses. If you find yourself in need of our security solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today, or visit our security company pages to see how we can provide further support.
So, What Are the Worst Places to Live in the North East of England?
Based on the latest crime statistics, Cleveland remains the area with the highest crime rate in the North East, earning its reputation as the ‘crime capital of England’. Newcastle and Sunderland continue to follow closely behind, while most areas across the region have experienced a gradual rise in reported offences. Durham stands out as one of the few locations to record a decline in crime levels, highlighting how crime trends can vary significantly between neighbouring areas.
While crime data provides a useful indication of safety, it should be considered alongside other factors such as local amenities, employment opportunities, transport links, and community development when assessing a place to live.
To stay informed about crime trends, safety updates, and regional news, explore our latest insights covering topics such as the Newcastle Crime Rate and crime levels in Sunderland. For practical security advice, industry updates, and expert guidance, visit the official Region Security YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the worst place to live in the North East of England for crime?
Based on the latest available crime data, Cleveland records the highest crime rate in the North East of England. The area consistently reports more offences per 1,000 residents than neighbouring regions, making it one of the most challenging locations in the region for recorded crime.
Which city has the highest crime rate in the North East?
Cleveland currently has the highest recorded crime rate in the North East. Newcastle and Sunderland also report higher-than-average crime levels, particularly for violence, theft, and anti-social behaviour offences.
Is Newcastle a safe place to live?
Newcastle is generally considered a vibrant place to live and work, but some areas experience higher crime levels than others. Residents should research specific neighbourhoods and review local crime statistics before choosing where to live.
Why is Sunderland included among the worst places to live in the North East?
Sunderland appears on the list because of its relatively high crime rate compared to national averages. Violence, sexual offences, and burglary contribute significantly to the area’s overall crime figures.
Does Durham have a lower crime rate than other North East areas?
Durham generally records lower crime levels than Cleveland, Newcastle, and Sunderland. Recent data also suggests that Durham has seen improvements in several crime categories, making it one of the safer areas within the region.
How can I check crime rates in my area?
You can check local crime statistics using official police crime maps, local authority reports, and crime data published by UK police forces. These resources provide up-to-date information on crime trends and neighbourhood safety.
Are crime rates the only factor when deciding where to live?
No. Crime statistics should be considered alongside factors such as employment opportunities, schools, healthcare services, transport links, housing affordability, and overall quality of life.
Which areas in the North East have seen crime levels increase?
Recent crime data indicates that several North East locations, including Newcastle and Sunderland, have experienced increases in certain offence categories. Trends can change over time, so it is important to review the latest available statistics.
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