Bishop Auckland Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland, a built-up area with a population of approximately 21,883, records an overall crime rate of 180.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated crime landscape compared to the national picture. The area achieves a safety score of 61 out of 100, which is considerably below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Bishop Auckland has experienced a stable period, showing a -1.5% change year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview, setting the stage for a deeper dive into crime types, trends, and security advice relevant to Bishop Auckland residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Bishop Auckland

An examination of crime types in Bishop Auckland reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 1,244 crimes (56.9 per 1,000 residents, 31.4% of total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 891 incidents (40.7 per 1,000, 22.5% of total), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 483 crimes (22.1 per 1,000, 12.2% of total), sharing the third spot with Shoplifting at 483 crimes (22.1 per 1,000, 12.2% of total). These categories represent a substantial proportion 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, Bishop Auckland reports a rate of 63.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a higher level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. The notable presence of criminal damage and arson, alongside a very high property crime rate, suggests that general vigilance and robust security measures are critical for protecting homes and assets.

Crime Trends in Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a -1.5% change year-over-year. This indicates a minor decrease in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period, suggesting that crime levels are not significantly escalating. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this stable pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents, which was 17.6 in October 2024, showed a general decline to 13.3 in February 2025, before fluctuating and rising to 16.5 in August 2025, and then settling at 14.6 by September 2025. This suggests seasonal variations, with lower rates in the winter months and some increases during the summer.

For residents, this stable trend, despite the higher overall crime rate, means that crime levels are not worsening rapidly. However, the consistent presence of crime, particularly the top categories, means that ongoing awareness and adherence to security best practices are essential. Understanding these monthly patterns can help residents to be particularly vigilant during periods when crime rates typically see slight increases, ensuring continued safety within the community.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Bishop Auckland

An analysis of crime data in Bishop Auckland reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), 'Other' crime categories are most prevalent at 48%, followed by theft-related offences at 32%, and burglary at 11%. This suggests a period where various minor offences occur, alongside some property crime as residents begin their day.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees 'Other' crimes remaining high at 43%, with theft at 35%, and burglary increasing to 19%. This could be linked to residential properties being unoccupied during working hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 65%, with theft reducing to 13% and burglary at 14%. This shift might reflect increased social activity and different types of offences associated with the evening.

Night-time (12am-6am) demonstrates a clear focus on acquisitive crimes, with vehicle crime representing 23% and burglary 19%. This period, when most residents are asleep and properties are unattended, typically offers opportunities for these types of offences. Understanding these temporal patterns allows residents to be more vigilant and tailor their security measures to the specific risks of each time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive understanding of crime in Bishop Auckland, it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 180.9 per 1,000, Bishop Auckland presents a significantly higher crime profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as West Auckland, Witton Park, Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange, and Toft Hill and High Etherley all contribute to the localised crime landscape. While specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, it is generally observed that crime rates can vary significantly even within close proximity, influenced by factors like population density and local amenities.

This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand how Bishop Auckland's crime rate positions it within the immediate vicinity. It underscores the importance of considering local nuances, as crime levels and types can vary even between closely situated neighbourhoods, offering valuable context for regional safety assessments and informing decisions about where to live.

Protecting Your Property in Bishop Auckland

Given Bishop Auckland's property crime rate of 63.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average, proactive home security is a critical consideration for homeowners. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV, often only record a burglary after it has happened, failing to prevent the incident. The emphasis should always be on deterring crime before it occurs.

For those seeking advanced protection, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive deterrence. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as a real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles. ScOS learns your routines, distinguishing between family and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Positioned as a professional-grade alternative to basic DIY systems, scOS shifts the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for Bishop Auckland residents.