County Durham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in County Durham

County Durham, home to approximately 538,011 residents, records an overall crime rate of 110.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a slightly elevated crime landscape compared to the national picture. The area achieves a safety score of 75 out of 100, which is marginally below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, County Durham has experienced a stable period, with a minimal year-over-year change of -0.2%. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and safety measures within the region.

About County Durham: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

County Durham is a diverse local authority district in North East England, characterised by a mix of urban centres, suburban communities, and significant rural landscapes. Its population of over half a million residents is spread across these varied environments, each contributing uniquely to the overall crime statistics. The presence of major transport links, including the A1(M), facilitates connectivity but can also inadvertently create opportunities for certain types of crime, such as vehicle-related offences or transient criminal activity.

Economic factors play a role, with areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation sometimes correlating with elevated crime rates, particularly property and anti-social behaviour offences. While the county boasts historical attractions and natural beauty that draw tourists, these areas can also see increased opportunist theft. The blend of residential areas, market towns, and former industrial sites creates a complex social and economic fabric. Understanding these underlying characteristics – from population density variations to local economic health and typical activities – helps to provide a comprehensive explanation of why County Durham experiences its specific crime rate and safety score, informing residents about the nuanced factors at play.

Crime Type Analysis in County Durham

An examination of crime types in County Durham reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 20,544 crimes (38.2 per 1,000 residents, 34.5% of the total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, with 11,513 incidents (21.4 per 1,000, 19.3% of total), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 7,168 crimes (13.3 per 1,000, 12.0% of total). These three categories represent a significant portion of all reported offences in the area.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, County Durham reports a rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people. This is slightly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this means a moderate level of risk regarding property security. While the overall property crime rate is manageable, the notable presence of criminal damage and arson suggests a need for vigilance and robust security measures to protect homes and assets.

Crime Trends in County Durham

County Durham has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a negligible -0.2% change year-over-year. This indicates that the total number of crimes has remained largely consistent compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this stable pattern. For instance, crime rates per 1,000 residents showed a slight decrease from 9.8 in October 2024 to 7.9 in February 2025, before gradually rising to 10.5 in July 2025 and then stabilising at 9.3 by September 2025. This suggests seasonal variations, with a potential increase in activity during warmer summer months.

For residents, a stable trend, even if slightly above the national average, can offer a degree of predictability. However, the minor upward movement in mid-2025 highlights the ongoing importance of maintaining awareness and security practices. Monitoring local reports and understanding these subtle shifts can help residents adapt their preventative measures accordingly, ensuring continued safety within their communities.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Understanding County Durham's crime landscape benefits from comparison with its neighbouring areas. With an overall crime rate of 110.8 per 1,000, County Durham is higher than Darlington but comparable to some of its larger urban neighbours. For instance, while specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, areas like Gateshead, Sunderland, and Newcastle upon Tyne typically present varied crime profiles influenced by their urban characteristics and population densities. Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees also contribute to the regional crime context, often exhibiting different patterns based on their local economies and demographics.

This regional perspective helps to contextualise County Durham's crime statistics, showing it as part of a broader, diverse regional picture. Residents considering moving within the North East can use these comparisons to gain a fuller understanding of safety across different communities, appreciating that crime rates can vary significantly even within relatively close proximity.

Protecting Your Property in County Durham

Given County Durham's property crime rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average, proactive home security is a pertinent consideration for homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording system rather than a preventative barrier. The focus should shift from merely documenting crime to actively preventing it.

For those seeking more robust protection, advanced systems like scOS offer a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, is designed to detect threats at your property boundary before a break-in even happens. Unlike conventional systems, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, never missing a detail. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while its pattern learning capabilities recognise routines, only alerting on genuine threats. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars move on within the critical 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, offering true peace of mind by preventing crime rather than just recording it.