Chilton (County Durham) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Chilton (County Durham)

Chilton (County Durham), a built-up area with a population of approximately 6,287, records an overall crime rate of 114.7 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 73 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Chilton (County Durham) has experienced a stable period, showing a -3.9% 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 Chilton (County Durham) residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Chilton (County Durham)

An examination of crime types in Chilton (County Durham) reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 275 crimes (43.7 per 1,000 residents, 38.1% of total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 114 incidents (18.1 per 1,000, 15.8% of total), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 85 crimes (13.5 per 1,000, 11.8% 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, Chilton (County Durham) reports a rate of 37.4 per 1,000 people. This is slightly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a moderate level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. The notable presence of criminal damage and arson, alongside a moderate property crime rate, suggests that general vigilance and robust security measures are important for protecting homes and assets.

Crime Trends in Chilton (County Durham)

Chilton (County Durham) has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a -3.9% change year-over-year. This indicates a minor decrease in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period, suggesting that crime levels are not significantly escalating. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this stable pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents, which was 9.9 in October 2024, showed a peak at 11.5 in April 2025, and after some variation, generally remained around 8-10, settling at 6.7 by September 2025. This suggests seasonal variations, with higher rates in the spring months.

For residents, this stable trend, despite a slight decrease, means that crime levels are manageable. However, the consistent presence of crime, particularly the top categories, means that ongoing awareness and adherence to security best practices are essential. Understanding these monthly patterns can help residents to be particularly vigilant during periods when crime rates typically see slight increases, ensuring continued safety within the community.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Chilton (County Durham)

An analysis of crime data in Chilton (County Durham) reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prevalent at 31%, followed by 'Other' crime categories at 40%, and vehicle crime at 16%. This suggests a period where various minor offences occur, alongside some property crime as residents begin their day.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining high at 35%, with 'Other' crimes at 36%, and burglary increasing to 23%. This could be linked to residential properties being unoccupied during working hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 56%, with vehicle crime at 14% and burglary at 18%. 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 34% and 'Other' crimes at 39%, and burglary 21%. 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 Chilton (County Durham), it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 114.7 per 1,000, Chilton (County Durham) presents a higher crime profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as Ferryhill, Kirk Merrington, Coundon and Leeholme, and Newton Aycliffe 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 Chilton (County Durham)'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 Chilton (County Durham)

Given Chilton (County Durham)'s property crime rate of 37.4 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly 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 Chilton (County Durham) residents.