Castleside Crime Rate

Castleside, located within County Durham, recorded a crime rate of 38.0 per 1,000 residents between January and December 2025. This figure, while significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicates a level of criminal activity requiring attention. Violence and sexual offences represent the most common type of crime in the area, alongside anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. Despite the lower overall crime rate, understanding the specific types of incidents occurring and the trends observed is crucial for maintaining a sense of safety and security within the community. The area’s safety score of 91/100 suggests a relatively safe environment, but vigilance and proactive measures remain essential.

Castleside, a built-up area within County Durham, exhibits a concerning crime profile. The most prevalent crimes reported between January and December 2025 are violence and sexual offences (22 incidents, representing 35.5% of all recorded crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15 incidents, 24.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9 incidents, 14.5%). Vehicle crime accounts for 8.1% of incidents, while other forms of crime contribute a further 8.1%. Property crime overall is lower, with only 10.4 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 91.6. The relatively low number of burglaries (1 incident, 0.6 per 1,000) is noteworthy, though it doesn’t negate the need for vigilance. Understanding the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these statistics would require further investigation, but the area’s size and close-knit community may play a role in both reporting rates and the nature of crimes committed.

Crime rates in Castleside have been steadily decreasing since January 2025, demonstrating a -7.5% year-on-year reduction. While January saw a rate of 2.5 crimes per 1,000 residents per month, this figure peaked at 5.5 in both May and August. A significant drop was observed in July, with just 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. The most recent month, December 2025, recorded a rate of 1.8 per 1,000, suggesting a return to the lower end of the monthly range. This positive trend warrants continued monitoring and proactive crime prevention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Castleside

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when out alone. Report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities promptly. Secure your property effectively, ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing exterior lighting. Be aware of anti-social behaviour and avoid confrontation – instead, report incidents to the police or local council. Finally, if you’re a vehicle owner, park in well-lit areas and consider a car alarm or steering wheel lock.

The pattern of crime in Castleside varies throughout the day. Burglaries are rare across all time periods. Vehicle crime is most frequent during the night shift (12am-6am), accounting for 54% of incidents during that time. Theft sees a peak during afternoon hours (12pm-6pm), representing 30% of related crimes. The evening hours (6pm-12am) show a slightly lower rate of theft but remain a period of heightened risk. Overall, the evening and night shifts see a higher proportion of incidents, suggesting a need for increased vigilance during these times.

Compared to Castleside’s crime rate of 38.0 per 1,000, neighbouring areas present varied crime landscapes. Consett experiences a significantly higher rate of 86.9 per 1,000, while Leadgate reports a concerning 92.6 per 1,000. Medomsley, in stark contrast, boasts a remarkably low crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Ebchester’s rate of 24.8 per 1,000 falls between Castleside and Consett. These disparities highlight the localised nature of crime and underscore the importance of targeted safety measures within Castleside itself.

Traditional CCTV systems provide recordings after an incident has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive security solution like scOS. scOS utilises AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, distinguishing between family members, deliveries, and genuine risks. Its multi-camera intelligence system never blinks, and DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent – many burglars decide to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. While DIY security systems have their place, scOS offers a professional-grade level of protection, providing an element of surprise and preventing crime before it happens.