Barnard Castle Crime Rate

Crime in Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle maintains a commendable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 76.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits comfortably below the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 84/100. When compared to the UK average safety score of 78, Barnard Castle emerges as a secure and desirable location. The most encouraging aspect of the recent data is the downward trajectory of local crime, which has seen a significant year-over-year decrease of 11.9%. This trend suggests that the community and local law enforcement are successfully managing safety concerns. The following sections provide a granular analysis of specific crime types and temporal patterns to help residents better understand their local environment.

Crime Breakdown in Barnard Castle

The criminal landscape in Barnard Castle is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 113 reported incidents, representing 32.4% of all local crime. This is followed by shoplifting (20.9%) and anti-social behaviour (11.5%). While these figures provide a snapshot of the most frequent reports, they highlight a specific concentration of activity within the retail and public sectors of the town.

Property-related crime in Barnard Castle, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 32.5 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably close to the UK average of 32.9, suggesting that while the area is generally safer overall, property security remains as relevant here as in many other parts of the country. Specifically, there were 14 burglaries and 36 incidents of criminal damage or arson recorded in the latest period.

For residents and homeowners, these statistics indicate that while the risk of being a victim of crime is statistically lower than the national average, the prevalence of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests a need for vigilance regarding physical assets. Ensuring that residential properties and business premises are adequately protected against opportunistic theft is essential for maintaining the town's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in criminal activity. The year-over-year data shows a notable 11.9% decrease in total crimes, a positive indicator for the local community. Monthly analysis reveals that the crime rate peaked in November 2024 at 8.9 per 1,000 residents, before falling to its lowest point of 4.4 in February and May 2025.

Throughout 2025, the rate has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4.4 and 7.9. The slight increase seen in July (7.9) suggests a minor seasonal peak, possibly related to increased visitor numbers during the summer months, but the overall trajectory remains lower than the previous year. For residents, this sustained reduction in crime provides peace of mind and suggests that local safety initiatives are proving effective. Maintaining this momentum will likely depend on continued community vigilance and proactive policing.

How To Keep Safe in Barnard Castle

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Barnard Castle. While these statistics often include a wide range of incidents, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is always advisable.

To stay safe, consider the following practical steps:

• Stay in Well-Lit Areas: When walking at night, stick to the main thoroughfares and well-lit paths in the town centre.
• Use the 'Buddy System': If you are out enjoying the local nightlife, try to walk home with friends or use a registered taxi service.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone when walking alone, especially in quieter areas.
• Report Concerns Promptly: If you notice suspicious behaviour or feel unsafe, contact the local police or use community safety apps to alert others.
• Secure Your Home: While personal safety is the priority, ensuring your home is well-lit and visible can deter opportunistic incidents near your property.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Barnard Castle

The timing of criminal activity in Barnard Castle reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a particularly active period for property-related offences, with 37% of thefts and 22% of burglaries occurring during these hours. This likely correlates with peak retail activity and times when residential properties may be left unattended during the workday.

As the day transitions into the night (12am - 6am), the focus of crime shifts. While overall incident volume may be lower, the proportion of vehicle crime peaks during these hours, accounting for 26% of the period's reports. Night-time also sees 22% of the town's burglaries, highlighting the vulnerability of properties under the cover of darkness. In contrast, the morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by 'Other' offences, suggesting a different set of administrative or less confrontational reports during the start of the business day. Understanding these windows of activity allows residents to be more targeted in their security habits.

Nearby Area Comparison

When evaluating the regional context, Barnard Castle sits in a mid-range position compared to its immediate neighbours. Startforth experiences a notably higher crime rate at 113.0 per 1,000 people. Conversely, areas such as Staindrop (55.8) and Cockfield (56.3) report lower overall figures. The village of Cotherstone is the safest in the immediate vicinity, with a crime rate of just 42.0. This comparison highlights that while Barnard Castle is safer than the UK average, there are even quieter pockets nearby, though it remains a very secure hub for the local authority area.

Proactive Protection for Barnard Castle Homes

With a property crime rate of 32.5 per 1,000 residents, Barnard Castle homeowners should consider how they approach their security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide you with high-definition footage of a crime that has already taken place. In a town where property crime is near the national average, the goal should be prevention rather than just recording.

scOS represents a shift toward proactive protection. By utilizing multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. The system's ability to distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer ensures that alerts are meaningful. Furthermore, the autonomous response features, such as activating lights or speakers when a threat is detected, are designed to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For those in Barnard Castle looking to maintain the area's high safety standards at home, shifting from reactive recording to proactive AI detection is the most effective way to secure a property.