Chester-le-Street Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Chester-le-Street

Chester-le-Street, a built-up area with a population of approximately 23,580, records an overall crime rate of 113.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated crime landscape compared to the national picture. The area achieves a safety score of 76 out of 100, which is slightly below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Chester-le-Street has experienced an increasing period, showing a 5.8% change year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview, setting the stage for a deeper dive into crime types, trends, and security advice relevant to Chester-le-Street residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Chester-le-Street

An examination of crime types in Chester-le-Street reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 810 crimes (34.4 per 1,000 residents, 30.4% of total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 510 incidents (21.6 per 1,000, 19.1% of total), and Shoplifting, which saw 453 crimes (19.2 per 1,000, 17.0% of total). These three categories represent a substantial proportion of all reported offences in the area.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Chester-le-Street reports a rate of 46.2 per 1,000 people. This is notably above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a higher level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. The significant presence of shoplifting within the top three crimes, alongside a higher property crime rate, suggests that general vigilance and robust security measures are important for protecting homes and assets.

Crime Trends in Chester-le-Street

Chester-le-Street has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a notable 5.8% change year-over-year. This indicates a rise in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this upward pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a dip from 9.8 in October 2024 to 7.0 in January 2025, before generally rising and peaking at 12.9 in July 2025, and then settling at 8.4 by September 2025. This suggests seasonal variations, with a notable increase during the summer months.

For residents, this increasing trend warrants attention. While the overall crime rate is above the UK average, the consistent year-over-year increase suggests a need for heightened awareness and a review of personal and property security measures. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be particularly vigilant and adapt their preventative strategies to address the escalating crime levels within the community, especially during the peak summer period.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Chester-le-Street

An analysis of crime data in Chester-le-Street reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are particularly noticeable, accounting for 40% of crimes, closely followed by 'Other' categories at 40%, and burglary at 10%. This suggests a period where commercial activity might contribute to theft, and properties are becoming active after the night.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining prominent at 43%, with 'Other' crimes at 36%, and burglary at 17%. This could be linked to peak shopping hours and residential properties being unoccupied. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 60%, with theft reducing to 16% and burglary at 15%. This shift might reflect increased social activity and different types of offences associated with the evening.

Night-time (12am-6am) demonstrates a clear focus on acquisitive crimes, with vehicle crime representing 25% and burglary 20%. This period, when most residents are asleep and properties are unattended, typically offers opportunities for these types of offences. Understanding these temporal patterns allows residents to be more vigilant and tailor their security measures to the specific risks of each time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive understanding of crime in Chester-le-Street, it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 113.0 per 1,000, Chester-le-Street presents a higher crime profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as Whitehill (County Durham), Newfield, Pelton and Ouston, and Great Lumley all contribute to the localised crime landscape. While specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, it is generally observed that crime rates can vary significantly even within close proximity, influenced by factors like population density and local amenities.

This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand how Chester-le-Street's crime rate positions it within the immediate vicinity. It underscores the importance of considering local nuances, as crime levels and types can vary even between closely situated neighbourhoods, offering valuable context for regional safety assessments and informing decisions about where to live.

Protecting Your Property in Chester-le-Street

Given Chester-le-Street's property crime rate of 46.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average, proactive home security is a pertinent consideration for homeowners. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV, often only record a burglary after it has happened, failing to prevent the incident. The emphasis should always be on deterring crime before it occurs.

For those seeking advanced protection, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive deterrence. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as a real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles. ScOS learns your routines, distinguishing between family and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Positioned as a professional-grade alternative to basic DIY systems, scOS shifts the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for Chester-le-Street residents.