Cornforth Crime Rate

Cornforth presents a complex safety profile with an overall crime rate of 101.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1. Despite this, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 77/100, placing it just one point below the national average. Encouragingly, the recent trend data shows that crime is decreasing in Cornforth, with a 6.7% reduction in total offences year-over-year. This downward trajectory, combined with a property crime rate (22.0 per 1,000) that is significantly lower than the UK average (32.9), suggests that while the area has its challenges—particularly with violence and anti-social behaviour—residents' homes and belongings are statistically safer than in many other parts of the country. The following sections explore these statistics in greater detail.

Crime Breakdown in Cornforth

The crime landscape in Cornforth is dominated by three main categories: violence and sexual offences (35.2%), anti-social behaviour (32.4%), and criminal damage and arson (12.4%). Together, these account for the vast majority of police reports in the area. Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 35.8 per 1,000 residents, while anti-social behaviour follows closely at 33.0 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Cornforth, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, has a combined rate of 22.0 per 1,000 people per year. While this is lower than the UK average for property crime (32.9), it still represents a significant volume of incidents for a settlement of this size. Burglary specifically accounts for 2.4% of all crime, with vehicle crime at 3.6%. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while personal safety and community conduct (ASB) are the primary concerns, there is a consistent level of property interference that necessitates robust home security measures. Understanding these local dynamics is key to staying safe in the community.

Crime Trends in Cornforth

The crime trend in Cornforth is currently on a downward trajectory, with a 6.7% decrease in total offences over the last twelve months. This positive shift is reflected in the monthly trendData, which shows that after a high of 12.2 crimes per 1,000 residents in December 2024, the rate has generally declined. In recent months, such as September and October 2025, the rate has stabilised at a much lower 6.1 per 1,000.

This decreasing trend is a significant indicator of improving safety in the area. While there were occasional spikes, such as in March 2025 (11.4) and July 2025 (10.6), the overall movement is towards a lower volume of crime. For residents, this means that while vigilance is still required, the statistical risk of being a victim of crime is reducing. Continued community engagement and effective local policing will be key to maintaining this positive momentum and further improving Cornforth's safety profile.

How To Keep Safe in Cornforth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cornforth, followed closely by anti-social behaviour. To maintain personal safety, residents should be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in areas where groups may congregate.

Staying safe in Cornforth involves a combination of personal awareness and property security. Ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit at night to deter anti-social behaviour and property interference. If you encounter anti-social behaviour, it is best to avoid direct confrontation and report the incident to the local police, as this helps them map activity and deploy resources effectively. For vehicle owners, the high rate of night-time vehicle crime means you should always park in well-lit areas or secure garages if available, and never leave valuables inside. Joining a local community safety group can also be beneficial, providing a platform to share information with neighbours and stay updated on local policing priorities. By staying vigilant and proactive, residents can contribute to the ongoing downward trend in local crime.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Cornforth

Crime in Cornforth exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, with different types of offences peaking at various times. During the morning hours (6am to 12pm), 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, dominate the landscape, accounting for 56% of incidents. Theft also sees its highest relative frequency during the morning and afternoon, as commercial and pedestrian activity increases.

As the day progresses into the night, the risk to property and vehicles shifts. During the night-time hours (12am to 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, making up 32% of all recorded incidents—a significant increase compared to its daytime levels. Burglary also remains a persistent threat during the night, accounting for 15% of crimes. These trends suggest that while personal-related offences and anti-social behaviour are daytime and evening issues, the early morning hours present the greatest risk to vehicles and residential property, highlighting the need for robust overnight security.

In the County Durham context, Cornforth occupies a middle ground for safety. It is significantly more secure than nearby Ferryhill, which has a much higher crime rate of 142.3 per 1,000 people. However, it is less safe than Coxhoe (66.5) and Bishop Middleham (26.6). The tiny village of Kelloe nearby recorded zero crimes, reflecting its much smaller population. For those considering the area, Cornforth offers a safer alternative to the region's more active urban centres while still experiencing more criminal activity than the surrounding rural hamlets. The overall decreasing trend in Cornforth makes it an increasingly attractive option for those prioritising local safety improvements.

Protecting Your Home in Cornforth

In Cornforth, where the overall crime rate is 101.8 per 1,000 but property crime remains below the national average, residents have a unique opportunity to stay ahead of local threats. While violence and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent, property-related incidents such as vehicle crime and burglary still account for a significant portion of local concern. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive—they record the event or sound an alert only after your home has been violated.

scOS provides a proactive alternative designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using AI-powered boundary detection, scOS monitors your property 24/7, identifying potential intruders before they can attempt a break-in. This is particularly valuable in Cornforth, where vehicle crime spikes significantly at night. scOS can detect unauthorised individuals near your car or home and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter them immediately. In a community where anti-social behaviour is common, having a system that distinguishes between a passing pedestrian and a genuine threat ensures you only receive meaningful alerts, providing professional-grade protection for your family and property.