Coundon and Leeholme Crime Rate

Coundon and Leeholme currently presents a crime rate of 115.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. Despite this elevated rate, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 72/100, suggesting that the nature of crime here may be less severe than in other high-rate urban areas. Most importantly, the area is experiencing a significant positive shift in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 12.4% year-over-year. This downward trend indicates that Coundon and Leeholme is becoming progressively safer for its nearly 3,000 residents. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns, helping residents and visitors understand the specific challenges and safety trends within this County Durham settlement.

Crime Breakdown in Coundon and Leeholme

The most prevalent crime categories in Coundon and Leeholme are violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and criminal damage and arson (15.6%). These figures highlight that personal safety and community conduct are significant local concerns.

Property-related crime in the area stands at a rate of 36.0 per 1,000 residents. This combined figure includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. While burglary rates are relatively low at 4.0 per 1,000, the overall property crime volume suggests that homeowners should remain vigilant. The presence of criminal damage and arson as a top-three crime type further emphasises the need for robust external property protection. For residents, this data indicates that while the area has a high safety score, proactive measures against opportunistic theft and vandalism are essential to maintaining a secure home environment.

Crime Trends in Coundon and Leeholme

The most significant trend in Coundon and Leeholme is a clear reduction in overall crime volume. The area has seen a year-over-year decrease of 12.4%, a positive trajectory that contrasts with many other urban settlements in the region. This suggests that local safety initiatives or community changes are effectively curbing criminal activity.

Analysis of the monthly trendData reveals some fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates were at their lowest in November 2024, at 6.7 per 1,000 people. There was a notable peak in April 2025 (12.0) and October 2025 (12.7), indicating seasonal spikes that residents should be aware of. However, the general trend over the last 12 months shows that while peaks occur, the overall volume is lower than in previous periods. For residents, this means that while vigilance is still required during certain months, the long-term outlook for the area's safety is improving, making it an increasingly stable place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Coundon and Leeholme

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Coundon and Leeholme, making personal safety a priority for residents. To stay safe, always remain aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours when anti-social behaviour is more prevalent. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.

Given the high rate of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, it is advisable to keep the exterior of your property well-maintained and brightly lit. Robust fencing and motion-activated lighting can deter opportunistic vandalism. If you witness anti-social behaviour, report it to the local authorities immediately to help build a clearer picture of local hotspots. Finally, for those concerned about property crime, ensure that all vehicles are parked in garages or well-lit driveways, as vehicle crime is a notable factor during the night-time hours in this area.

Time Patterns of Crime in Coundon and Leeholme

Crime in Coundon and Leeholme follows distinct temporal patterns that vary by type. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) are the most active for general criminal activity, where 'other' crimes—primarily anti-social behaviour and public order offences—account for 70% of reports. This suggests that community-based disturbances are most frequent as the day ends.

Property crime shows a different trend. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 18% of crimes in that period, followed closely by the night-time hours (16%). This indicates that burglars target homes both during working hours and under the cover of darkness. Vehicle crime is specifically a night-time issue, peaking between 12am and 6am, where it represents 28% of all incidents. Theft is most common during the morning and afternoon, likely coinciding with retail and commercial activity. Understanding these windows of risk allows residents to better time their security precautions.

When comparing Coundon and Leeholme to its immediate neighbours, it occupies a relatively favourable position within the local hierarchy of safety. It is considerably safer than Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange, which suffers from a very high crime rate of 224.8 per 1,000 people, and Shildon, which records 180.7. Its crime rate is almost identical to that of Chilton, which stands at 115.2 per 1,000. For those seeking the highest levels of safety in the immediate vicinity, Kirk Merrington stands out with a remarkable rate of 0.0 crimes per 1,000. This context shows that while Coundon and Leeholme has higher crime than the national average, it is one of the more secure urban settlements in its local County Durham context.

With a property crime rate of 36.0 per 1,000 residents, homeowners in Coundon and Leeholme face a tangible risk of burglary, theft, and criminal damage. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarm systems, are often reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed but do little to stop it in the first place. In an area where criminal damage and arson are top-three concerns, prevention is paramount.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system represents a shift from reactive to proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies potential threats at the property boundary before they can escalate. For residents of Coundon and Leeholme, this means that an intruder is detected and deterred by autonomous responses—such as lights and speakers—long before a window is broken. In a community where vehicle crime peaks at night and burglary is frequent in the afternoon, scOS provides 24/7 vigilant protection that never blinks, ensuring your home is defended even when you are not there.