Bishop Auckland Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bishop Auckland's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 14.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 125% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark divergence from national trends underscores the unique challenges faced by this built-up area in County Durham. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (23.1% of total), anti-social behaviour (21.2%), and shoplifting (20.9%), all of which far exceed UK averages. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.3 per 1,000, were 42% above the national rate, while anti-social behaviour—3.1 per 1,000—surpassed the UK average by 241%. These figures likely reflect the town's dense population and historical infrastructure, which may contribute to higher concentrations of public disorder. February's winter climate, with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have dampened some crime types, yet the persistence of property-related offences suggests vulnerabilities in retail and public spaces. Bishop Auckland's crime profile thus illustrates a complex dynamic where seasonal factors intersect with localized social and economic conditions, creating a distinct risk environment for residents.

February saw notable decreases in violent crimes, with violence and sexual offences dropping by 24.7% to 73 incidents, and anti-social behaviour falling by 23.9% to 67 cases. However, property-related crimes such as shoplifting (66 incidents) and anti-social behaviour remained sharply elevated, with the latter 241% above the UK average. A concerning rise was recorded in theft from the person, which doubled from 1 to 2 incidents—a 100% increase. This shift suggests a growing focus on petty theft in public spaces, possibly linked to increased foot traffic during winter shopping periods. Meanwhile, bicycle theft also doubled, climbing from 0 to 1 case, indicating vulnerabilities in local security measures. These trends highlight a combination of seasonal patterns and localized risk factors, with property crimes dominating the crime mix despite the decline in violence.

Bishop Auckland's crime rate in February 2026 dropped by 11.0% compared to January's 16.2 per 1,000, bringing the monthly figure to 14.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull observed in winter months, though the rate remains significantly elevated nationally. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 11 incidents per day over 28 days, reflecting a persistent challenge for residents. On a monthly scale, one reported crime occurred for every 69 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population of 21,883. While the reduction from January offers a glimmer of progress, the rate remains 125% above the UK average, highlighting the area's ongoing need for targeted interventions. This monthly exposure figure, though not a daily metric, illustrates how crime permeates everyday life in Bishop Auckland, even as seasonal patterns shift.