Chester-le-Street Crime Rate

About Chester-le-Street

Chester-le-Street, an urban settlement, records an overall crime rate of 112.5 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is notably higher than the national average of 93.1 crimes per 1,000 people, indicating that crime levels in the area are elevated compared to the rest of the UK. With a safety score of 76 out of 100, Chester-le-Street is considered less safe than the UK average safety score of 78/100. The crime rate in Chester-le-Street has shown an increasing trend over the past year, rising by 6.8%, suggesting a notable increase in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Chester-le-Street

An analysis of crime types in Chester-le-Street reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with a rate of 34.6 per 1,000 people, accounting for 30.8% of all recorded crimes. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour at 21.5 per 1,000 residents (19.1%), and Shoplifting at 18.8 per 1,000 residents (16.7%). These three categories collectively represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area. Property-related crime, which encompasses offences such as burglary (3.7 per 1,000), robbery (0.6 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.3 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (12.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000), and other theft (6.5 per 1,000), stands at an overall rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a high risk of incidents affecting personal property, highlighting the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and possessions.

Crime Trends in Chester-le-Street

Chester-le-Street has experienced an increasing trend in crime over the past year, with a rise of 6.8% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. Starting at 8.6 in November 2024, it saw a dip to 7.0 in January 2025, before generally increasing through the spring and summer months, reaching a peak of 12.9 in July. The trend saw some fluctuations, ending at 9.3 in October 2025. This upward trend suggests a need for increased vigilance among residents, particularly given the notable year-on-year increase.

How To Keep Safe in Chester-le-Street

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Chester-le-Street, personal safety is a key concern. Here are some localised tips:

1. Be aware in town centre areas: The town centre and areas with nightlife can see higher activity. Stay alert and avoid walking alone late at night.
2. Secure your property rigorously: With a high property crime rate, ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider alarm systems and sturdy physical security for your home and vehicles.
3. Mind your belongings when shopping: Shoplifting is a significant concern; keep bags and valuables secure when in retail areas.
4. Report anti-social behaviour: Promptly report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities to help maintain community order and deter further incidents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Chester-le-Street

Crime in Chester-le-Street exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, with varying levels of activity across different time periods. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods show higher instances of theft and burglary, likely linked to daytime activity and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant increase in 'Other' crimes, which often include public order offences and violence, coinciding with socialising and nightlife. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and 'Other' offences become more prominent, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, providing opportunities for these types of offences.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Chester-le-Street's crime rate of 112.5 per 1,000 residents is generally higher than some of its immediate neighbours. For instance, Whitehill (County Durham) has a comparable rate at 103.7 per 1,000, and Pelton and Ouston is slightly lower at 93.9 per 1,000. In contrast, Great Lumley (29.2 per 1,000) reports a significantly lower crime rate, suggesting it is a much safer area. Newfield, with 0.0 crimes per 1,000, suggests a data limitation for direct comparison. This comparison highlights Chester-le-Street's position as an urban settlement with an elevated crime rate relative to some of its immediate surroundings.

Proactive Protection Against Crime

With Chester-le-Street experiencing a property crime rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average, residents should strongly consider robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often only provide reactive recording – giving you footage after a burglary has occurred. However, genuine protection lies in preventing crime before it happens. Sophisticated AI-powered systems, like scOS, offer proactive defence by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than after an intrusion. Unlike systems that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Its advanced pattern learning can differentiate between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms and ensuring you're only alerted when necessary. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and engage speakers, destroying the element of surprise and often causing potential intruders to move on within 60 seconds. This professional-grade deterrence is a significant step beyond basic DIY systems, offering real-time intervention and peace of mind by actively preventing crime rather than just documenting it.