Cotherstone Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Cotherstone, County Durham, reveal a concerning picture. Over the period January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 46.8 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, the area has experienced a significant increase in crime, rising by 33.3% year-on-year. While the overall safety score stands at 87/100, indicating a good level of safety, the upward trend warrants attention and proactive measures to ensure the continued wellbeing of the community.

The latest data for Cotherstone, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 44.1% of all reported crimes, with 30 incidents recorded. Burglary follows closely, representing 17.6% of incidents (12 cases), and criminal damage and arson contribute 11.8% (8 incidents). Vehicle crime, though less frequent, remains a concern, impacting 7.3% of the population (5 crimes). Overall, property crime accounts for 19.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. The relatively small population size means even a few incidents can significantly skew the crime rate percentages. Understanding the context of Cotherstone's location and community is vital when interpreting these figures. Factors like proximity to larger towns and the nature of local employment may contribute to the observed crime trends.

The crime rate in Cotherstone has experienced a worrying increase of 33.3% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with spikes observed in February, June, August, September and November. For instance, February 2025 saw a significant rise to 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, while October 2025 saw a dip to 3.4 per 1,000. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend points towards escalating criminal activity. This upward trajectory demands immediate attention and proactive strategies to address the root causes and ensure the safety of Cotherstone's residents.

How To Keep Safe in Cotherstone

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, residents should be vigilant when out alone, particularly during the evening. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider carrying a personal alarm. With burglary being a significant concern, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home. Given the rise in criminal damage and arson, consider installing motion-sensor lights around your property to deter potential vandals. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.

Crime in Cotherstone exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 55% of cases. Violence and sexual offences are concentrated during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), suggesting a vulnerability during these hours. Theft is largely associated with commercial hours, likely reflecting opportunities during daytime activity. Understanding these temporal trends is crucial for targeted preventative measures.

Cotherstone’s crime rate is notably higher than that of Mickleton (County Durham), which boasts a rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Startforth has a significantly higher rate at 118.0 per 1,000, while Barnard Castle sits at 67.8 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the varied safety profiles of communities within County Durham and underscore the localised nature of crime patterns.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a recording device – capturing footage after a crime has occurred. For residents of Cotherstone, considering the 33.3% year-on-year increase in crime, a proactive approach is vital. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a fundamentally different level of protection. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property simultaneously, detecting threats at the boundary before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises familiar faces, minimising false alarms. Imagine: a traditional system shows you footage of a burglary; scOS prevents the burglary. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy – they move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your property is another.