Castleside Crime Rate

Castleside is one of the safest areas in the region, boasting an overall crime rate of just 37.4 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an exceptional safety score of 92/100. The local safety environment is not only strong but improving, with a significant 10.3% decrease in crime year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low at 11.0 per 1,000, compared to the national average of 32.9. These figures paint a picture of a quiet, secure community where criminal activity is the exception rather than the rule. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime types, trends, and time-based patterns to help residents stay informed.

Crime Breakdown in Castleside

Castleside presents a crime profile that is notably lower in volume than national averages, with three primary categories accounting for the majority of reports: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 34.4% of total crime, followed closely by ASB at 26.2%. Criminal damage and arson constitute 14.8% of the local data.

Property crime in Castleside is remarkably low, with a rate of just 11.0 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. In total, there were only 2 recorded burglaries and 4 vehicle crimes over the past year. These figures suggest that while property crime exists, it is not a pervasive threat to the community. However, the 11.0 rate still represents a significant portion of the overall 37.4 crime rate, indicating that property remains a target for the crimes that do occur.

For residents, the high percentage of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that low-level disruption and nuisance are more common than serious organised theft. Homeowners can take confidence in the low burglary numbers, but should remain aware that vehicle crime and criminal damage are the more likely property-related threats they might face. Maintaining a well-secured home and vehicle helps preserve the area's excellent safety standing.

Crime Trends in Castleside

Castleside is experiencing a very positive trend in community safety, with total crime decreasing by 10.3% year-over-year. This double-digit reduction is a significant achievement for the area and suggests that local safety initiatives are proving effective. Looking at the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025, we see a generally low and stable crime rate. The year began with rates between 2.5 and 3.1 per 1,000 people, showing a very calm winter period.

There were two distinct peaks in May and August 2025, where the rate rose to 5.5 per 1,000. These minor spikes are often typical of the summer months when increased outdoor activity can lead to more reports of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage. Conversely, July 2025 saw a record low of just 1.2 crimes per 1,000 people. The most recent data from October 2025 shows a rate of 4.3, which remains well below the national average. For residents, this trend confirms that Castleside is not only safe but is actively becoming more secure as time progresses.

How To Keep Safe in Castleside

The most common crime type in Castleside is violence and sexual offences, representing 34.4% of reports. While the overall numbers are low, personal safety and community awareness remain important.

To stay safe, we recommend being mindful of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly in the quieter evening hours. Utilise well-lit paths and keep a charged mobile phone accessible. Sharing your location with a family member when out late can provide an extra layer of security.

Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (26.2%), residents should report any persistent nuisance to local authorities to prevent escalation. For property safety, although burglary is rare, ensuring your home has visible deterrents like motion-sensor lighting can discourage the criminal damage and arson that make up 14.8% of local crimes. Always lock your vehicles and remove any items from plain sight, as vehicle crime—though infrequent—is most likely to occur overnight. By combining these simple habits with the area's naturally low crime rate, you can enjoy the high level of safety Castleside offers.

Crime Timing in Castleside

Crime in Castleside follows specific temporal patterns that are useful for residents to understand. During the morning (6am - 12pm), the majority of incidents fall into the 'other' category (48%), with theft making up 22%. This suggests a relatively quiet start to the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a slight rise in theft (29%) and the highest daily likelihood for burglary (11%), likely coinciding with when residents are away from their homes.

As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour, peak at 65% of all incidents. This is the time when community nuisance is most likely to occur. However, the most significant shift happens during the night (12am - 6am). During these early hours, vehicle crime surges to account for 47% of all recorded offences. This clearly identifies the overnight period as the highest risk time for car owners. By focusing security efforts—such as vehicle locks and perimeter lighting—on these specific windows, residents can effectively mitigate the most likely local threats.

In the local context of County Durham, Castleside stands out for its high level of safety. Its crime rate of 37.4 per 1,000 people is vastly superior to nearby Consett and Leadgate, which both report much higher rates of 86.8 and 86.7 respectively. While Ebchester offers a comparable rate of 27.6, only Medomsley (0.0) records lower crime levels in the immediate vicinity. For anyone considering the region, Castleside represents a peaceful alternative to the busier urban centres of Consett and Leadgate. This comparison highlights Castleside's status as a secure residential pocket within a wider area that experiences more varied crime levels, making it a highly desirable location for those prioritising a low-crime environment.

With a property crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 people, Castleside is a low-risk area, but the impact of a single incident can still be devastating. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you while a crime is happening or provide footage for the police after the damage is done. In a safe area like Castleside, the goal of security should be total deterrence—ensuring your home is never the one chosen by an opportunistic offender.

scOS provides this through proactive AI protection. Rather than just recording, scOS monitors your property boundaries and uses intelligent detection to identify threats before they reach your door. For a community where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are the most common nuisances, scOS’s autonomous response—such as activating lights or voice alerts—can stop a situation from escalating. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just documenting it, you maintain the peace of mind that matches Castleside’s high safety score. Proactive protection is the definitive way to ensure your property remains part of the village's positive safety statistics.