Chester-le-Street, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within County Durham, exhibits a crime rate of 111.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably higher than the average for County Durham, and exceeds the United Kingdom’s national average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Understanding this difference requires examining the specific data available.
To provide context, let's compare Chester-le-Street to its neighbouring areas. Whitehill (County Durham) has a crime rate of 106.8 per 1,000, slightly below Chester-le-Street. In stark contrast, Newfield reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, representing a considerably safer environment. Pelton and Ouston have a rate of 84.7 per 1,000, while Great Lumley boasts a very low rate of 31.7 per 1,000. This demonstrates a significant variation in crime rates across the County Durham region.
The safety score for Chester-le-Street is 76 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 79. The safety score is a composite metric, and a lower score coupled with a higher crime rate suggests a perception of lower safety within the area, though the exact calculation of the score is not detailed in the provided information.
It’s important to remember that crime rates are statistical representations and don't necessarily reflect the lived experience of every resident. Factors such as reporting rates, the definition of what constitutes a crime, and local law enforcement strategies can all influence these figures. While the higher crime rate in Chester-le-Street warrants attention, comparing it to surrounding areas like Newfield, with its exceptionally low crime rate, highlights the variability within County Durham.