Cockfield Crime Rate

Cockfield is an exceptionally safe urban settlement, characterized by a high safety score of 86/100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 78. The area’s overall crime rate is 56.3 per 1,000 residents, which is far lower than the national average of 93.1. Furthermore, the crime trend in Cockfield is moving in a positive direction, with a 12.5% decrease year-over-year. With a population of 1,492, this community enjoys a peaceful environment where residents are at much lower risk of criminal activity than the average UK citizen. Understanding the specific types of crime that do occur is important for maintaining this high level of safety.

In Cockfield, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, making up 47.6% of the total with 40 recorded incidents. Criminal damage and arson follow at 14.3%, and anti-social behaviour is third at 13.1%. When looking at property crime collectively—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and all forms of theft—Cockfield has a rate of 16.1 per 1,000 residents. This is less than half the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. For residents, this indicates that while personal safety and property damage are the main local concerns, the risk of having a home or vehicle targeted for theft is exceptionally low compared to the national average. Shoplifting also features in the top categories, but at a very low volume, suggesting that most crime in the area is social or residential in nature rather than commercial.

Cockfield is experiencing a positive trend in safety, with a 12.5% decrease in total crime over the last year. Monthly data shows that while some months like July 2025 saw a spike (8.7 per 1,000), others were exceptionally quiet, such as February 2025 which recorded only 1.3 crimes per 1,000. The latter half of 2025 generally saw lower rates than the start of the year, with September and August both recording 3.4. This overall downward trajectory is a reassuring sign for the community. For residents, this trend suggests that local safety initiatives or community efforts may be having a tangible impact, although the occasional monthly spike serves as a reminder to maintain consistent security awareness.

How To Keep Safe in Cockfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Cockfield. While the area is very safe overall, personal awareness and community involvement are essential for maintaining security.

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly in less populated areas or during the evening, and stick to well-lit paths.
2. Engage with your local community and neighbours; a strong social network is one of the most effective ways to deter anti-social behaviour and property crime.
3. Ensure your home’s exterior is well-maintained and that all entry points are visible from the street, as this discourages criminal damage and arson.
4. If you witness any suspicious activity or incidents of anti-social behaviour, report them to the local police to help them maintain an accurate picture of local safety.
5. Use basic home security measures, such as ensuring all windows and doors are locked when you are out or before you go to bed.

Crime in Cockfield shows distinct variations throughout the day. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft, accounting for 43% and 47% of incidents respectively. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am) and night (12am - 6am), 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become much more prevalent, reaching 76% in both periods. Burglary risks, though very low overall, show a slight increase during the night, reaching 12% of night-time incidents. This pattern suggests that while daytime is busier for opportunistic theft, the evening and night are more likely to see social disturbances. Residents should focus on securing property during the day and being aware of social safety at night.

In the context of the County Durham region, Cockfield is one of the safer places to live. Its crime rate of 56.3 per 1,000 is comparable to Staindrop (55.8) and much lower than Evenwood (77.2). It is dramatically safer than West Auckland, which has a very high crime rate of 208.8. While Toft Hill and High Etherley (34.9) has a lower rate, Cockfield remains a highly attractive option for those prioritising safety. Its decreasing crime trend further distinguishes it as a community that is actively becoming more secure, making it a standout choice for residents in the local area.

Despite Cockfield’s low property crime rate of 16.1 per 1,000, homeowners should not be complacent, especially with criminal damage being a top-three concern. Traditional security systems like CCTV or doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to stop it. For those seeking the highest level of protection, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered operating system. scOS doesn't just record; it prevents. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary, it can detect suspicious patterns and intervene autonomously. Whether it’s activating deterrent lighting or audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise. For a community like Cockfield, where crime is already low, a proactive system like scOS ensures that your home remains a difficult target, maintaining your property's safety regardless of local trends. It’s about stopping a threat at the boundary, not watching it on your phone after the damage is done.