Burnhope Crime Rate

Crime in Burnhope

Burnhope is a safe urban settlement located within the County Durham local authority. It features an overall crime rate of 79.5 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 93.1. This performance results in a safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the national average safety rating of 78. However, recent data indicates a significant increasing trend in criminal activity, with a 42.9% rise in reports year-over-year. Despite this upward shift, Burnhope remains a secure area for its 1,636 residents. The following analysis details the specific crime types, timing patterns, and local comparisons to provide a comprehensive view of safety in Burnhope.

Crime Breakdown in Burnhope

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Burnhope, representing 26.9% of all reported incidents. Criminal damage and arson follow closely at 24.6%, with anti-social behaviour accounting for 23.1%. These three categories dominate the local crime profile, suggesting that public conduct and property damage are more frequent than direct theft.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains an area for resident attention. Burglary accounts for 3.1% of total crime, and vehicle crime is even lower at 1.5%. For homeowners, the high rate of criminal damage suggests that property protection should focus on preventing vandalism and arson as much as traditional theft, ensuring that the exterior of the home is well-guarded against opportunistic damage.

Crime Trends in Burnhope

The crime trend in Burnhope is currently increasing, with a significant 42.9% rise in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data shows considerable growth throughout 2025, with crime rates peaking in September at 11.6 per 1,000 residents. Other high-activity months included July (9.8) and January (9.2).

In contrast, the area enjoyed much lower rates at the end of 2024, with December recording only 1.8 per 1,000. The overall upward trajectory suggests that the frequency of incidents has grown substantially in the recent 12-month period. For residents, this means that while the area remains safe by national standards, the recent trend warrants a more proactive and vigilant approach to both personal and property security.

How To Keep Safe in Burnhope

The most common crime type in Burnhope is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. While the overall number of incidents remains lower than the UK average, personal safety and property protection are the primary areas for resident awareness.

To stay safe in Burnhope, consider these practical tips:

1. When out in the evening, stick to well-lit paths and be aware of your surroundings, especially in quieter residential areas.
2. Ensure your property's exterior is well-guarded; motion-activated lighting can deter those intending to cause criminal damage.
3. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to local authorities; this helps the police identify patterns and manage public spaces more effectively.
4. Keep your home secure by checking that all doors and windows are locked, particularly during the afternoon and night when burglary risks are highest.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system that can detect and deter intruders before they reach your property, providing an extra layer of protection against theft and vandalism.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Burnhope

Crime in Burnhope follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, miscellaneous 'other' crimes (including ASB and criminal damage) are the dominant category, making up 74% and 69% of incidents respectively. Theft risk is also present during these hours, accounting for 13-15% of reports.

The evening and night periods see a continued dominance of 'other' crimes, reaching 84% in the evening. The night-time (12am - 6am) remains a period of concern for property owners, as burglary and vehicle crime combined account for 23% of all reports during these hours. Specifically, burglary peaks at 15% in the afternoon and remains significant at 13% during the night. This suggests that while miscellaneous conduct issues are the primary concern, property-targeted offences are most likely during the afternoon and overnight periods. Residents should ensure their home security is consistent throughout the day.

Nearby Area Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Burnhope (79.5) occupies a middle-ground position. It is significantly safer than Annfield Plain (126.6) and Langley Park (92.7). However, it has a higher crime rate than Lanchester (47.2) and Craghead (58.7). This suggests that while Burnhope is safe by national standards, it sits in a diverse region where safety levels can vary considerably between adjacent settlements. For those seeking the highest levels of security in the immediate vicinity, Lanchester offers a more favourable crime profile.

Proactive Security for Burnhope Residents

With a property crime rate of 25.7 per 1,000 and a significant 42.9% increase in overall crime, Burnhope residents should be proactive about their security. Traditional security systems—like basic CCTV—often only serve as a way to watch your property being violated after the fact. For residents who want to maintain Burnhope's safety, a preventative approach is required.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it happens. By detecting threats at the property boundary in real-time, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or audio warnings, to deter intruders. With criminal damage and arson accounting for nearly 25% of local crime, the ability to stop a threat before damage occurs is vital. scOS's multi-camera intelligence learns your routines and only alerts you to real threats, providing a professional-grade security solution that traditional DIY cameras cannot match. Protecting your home with scOS means moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention.