County Durham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for County Durham reveal a crime rate of 112.1 incidents per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This is marginally higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a slightly elevated risk profile for the area. While the overall crime trend has remained stable, showing only a 1.1% year-on-year change, understanding the specific crime types and their distribution is essential for assessing local safety and implementing effective preventative measures. This data aims to provide a factual overview of crime in County Durham, offering insights into trends and potential areas of concern.

County Durham, a historic county in North East England, presents a unique profile influencing its crime statistics. The area’s blend of rural landscapes and established towns contributes to varied crime patterns. Sparsely populated rural areas may experience different challenges compared to more densely populated urban centres like Bishop Auckland and Peterlee. The county's significant agricultural sector and its role as a commuter belt for larger cities also impact the local economy and potential drivers of crime. Socioeconomic factors, including employment rates and deprivation levels in certain neighbourhoods, can contribute to the overall crime landscape. Understanding these area characteristics is crucial for interpreting the reported crime statistics and developing targeted preventative measures.

The most prevalent crimes reported in County Durham during the period of February 2025 to January 2026 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.0% of all recorded crimes (21080 incidents). Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 19.3% of the total (11632 incidents), indicating community disorder as a significant concern. Criminal damage and arson contributed 11.9% (7160 incidents), suggesting vandalism and intentional property damage are recurring issues. Shoplifting made up 9.6% of reported crimes (5780 incidents), highlighting retail crime as an ongoing challenge. The property crime rate stands at 37.6 per 1,000 residents annually, encompassing burglaries (2135 incidents) and other forms of theft. Addressing these top crime categories requires a multifaceted approach, including targeted policing, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives.

Crime in County Durham has remained relatively stable over the period of February 2025 to January 2026, with a slight increase of 1.1% year-on-year. Monthly crime rates have shown some fluctuation, with peaks in July (10.5 per 1,000) and October (10.1 per 1,000), and a general decline towards the end of the reporting period. While this represents a small increase, it's important to monitor these trends closely to identify any emerging patterns and adapt crime prevention strategies accordingly.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, County Durham exhibits a higher crime rate. Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland, Hartlepool, and Stockton-on-Tees all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, demonstrating a significantly safer environment in these areas. This disparity highlights the varying crime challenges across the region.

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How To Keep Safe in County Durham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling with others. To address the significant number of anti-social behaviour incidents, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Secure your property against criminal damage and arson by ensuring fences are secure and flammable materials are stored safely. Finally, be vigilant against theft, particularly in public spaces, by keeping valuables out of sight and being mindful of your belongings.