County Durham Crime Rate

County Durham reports an overall crime rate of 111.4 per 1,000 people, a figure that sits above the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this higher rate, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 75/100, suggesting a generally secure environment for its half-million residents. The crime trend is currently stable, with a negligible 0.2% change year-over-year, indicating a consistent safety landscape. The data period from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that while certain crime types like violence and anti-social behaviour are prevalent, property crime remains a significant factor at 37.7 per 1,000 people. This context is vital for residents and businesses when assessing their security needs. The following analysis explores the specific breakdown of these statistics and provides practical advice for staying safe in the region.

County Durham is a diverse region that blends historic urban centres with extensive rural landscapes and former industrial towns. The area's crime statistics are influenced by several factors, including its role as a major tourism destination—centred on Durham City’s UNESCO World Heritage site—and its position as a regional transport corridor. The presence of a large student population in Durham City creates a transient demographic that can influence theft and anti-social behaviour rates. Economically, the county features a mix of affluent residential pockets and areas undergoing regeneration following the decline of traditional industries. These socio-economic variations contribute to the distribution of crime, with higher concentrations typically found in the more densely populated urban settlements compared to the quieter rural villages. Additionally, the county’s nightlife and retail hubs act as focal points for public order and shoplifting incidents, while the sprawling nature of the county presents unique challenges for rural policing and property security.

In County Durham, the crime landscape is dominated by three main types: violence and sexual offences (34.7%), anti-social behaviour (19.3%), and criminal damage and arson (11.9%). These categories account for a significant majority of all reported incidents, reflecting a high frequency of public order and personal safety concerns. Property-related crime is also a notable factor, with an overall rate of 37.7 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (4.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000), and other theft (5.2 per 1,000), alongside shoplifting and criminal damage. For residents, this means that while violent crime is statistically the most common, the cumulative risk of property-related offences remains a daily reality. The high percentage of criminal damage and arson suggests that opportunistic vandalism is more common here than in other regions. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of external property security, as the combination of burglary and criminal damage indicates a need for robust physical and electronic deterrents to protect both the home and outbuildings.

The crime trend in County Durham is currently stable, showing a minimal 0.2% increase over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a consistent pattern of activity throughout the year. The county saw its lowest crime rate in February 2025, at 7.9 per 1,000 people. As is typical with seasonal patterns, the rate rose during the warmer months, peaking in July 2025 at 10.5. This summer spike often correlates with increased public activity and tourism. Following this peak, the rate settled back into a range between 9.2 and 10.1 for the remainder of the year. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, suggesting that crime levels are not in a state of escalation. The consistency in the data allows for more predictable safety planning and indicates that local law enforcement strategies are maintaining a steady grip on crime across the county.

County Durham occupies a central position in the North East, surrounded by several major metropolitan areas. When compared to neighbours such as Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, and Newcastle upon Tyne, County Durham's reported crime rate is higher. However, it is important to consider that County Durham is a large, diverse local authority area encompassing both high-density urban centres and quiet rural villages. The '0.0' rates reported for some nearby areas in this specific dataset typically indicate different reporting boundaries rather than a total absence of crime. For those moving within the region, County Durham offers a blend of safety profiles, with its safety score of 75 providing a reliable benchmark for the area's overall security relative to its more urbanised neighbours.

Home security in County Durham must address a property crime rate of 37.7 per 1,000 people, with criminal damage being a particularly frequent concern. Traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive; a standard camera might record a window being smashed, but it does nothing to prevent it. To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is required. scOS leverages AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries in real-time, detecting threats before they reach your front door. This system is designed to differentiate between normal activity—like a neighbour walking past—and suspicious patterns, such as someone loitering near your vehicle or outbuildings. For County Durham residents, the autonomous response features of scOS, including the activation of smart lighting and audible deterrents, can stop a crime in its tracks. By removing the element of surprise, you significantly increase the likelihood that an opportunistic criminal will move on. Moving from simple recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure long-term property safety in the region.

How To Keep Safe in County Durham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in County Durham, accounting for 34.7% of all incidents. To stay safe across the local authority area, consider these regional safety tips:

1. Be Mindful in Urban Hubs: When visiting busier centres like Durham City, Bishop Auckland, or Peterlee, stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded retail areas or near transport interchanges where anti-social behaviour may occur.
2. Plan Your Night-time Travel: If enjoying the county's nightlife, ensure you have a pre-booked taxi or a clear plan for getting home. Avoid walking alone through poorly lit or isolated areas between towns.
3. Secure Rural Properties: For those in more isolated parts of the county, ensure that boundaries are well-defined and that outbuildings are secured with high-quality locks and alarms, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft.
4. Community Engagement: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about specific crime trends in your immediate village or estate.
5. Protect Personal Belongings: In public spaces, keep your phone and wallet secure and out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft from the person.