Crook Crime Rate

Crook, within County Durham, recorded a crime rate of 133.2 per 1,000 residents over the 12 months to December 2025. This figure places the area above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a heightened level of criminal activity compared to the national picture. While a safety score of 71 out of 100 suggests a degree of perceived safety, the prevalence of certain crime types warrants attention. Over the period, a stable trend of -4.9% year-on-year has been observed, suggesting fluctuations in crime levels month to month. Understanding these trends and the specific crime landscape is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

Crook's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent, accounting for 32.7% of all reported incidents (382 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 23.1% (270 crimes), and criminal damage and arson contribute significantly with 16.4% (192 crimes). Property crime, overall, stands at a rate of 40.2 per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a need for focused preventative measures. While shoplifting represents a smaller percentage of overall crime (4.5%), the prevalence of violence and disorder paints a picture of a community experiencing challenges that require careful consideration and targeted interventions. The data underscores the importance of addressing underlying social factors that may contribute to these crime types.

The crime rate in Crook has shown a stable trend, decreasing by -4.9% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout 2025, with notable peaks in April (12.9 per 1,000) and October (15.1 per 1,000). The beginning and end of the year (January and December) both show a lower crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This volatility suggests that while the overall trend is downward, short-term variations are influenced by a range of factors, potentially including seasonal changes, local events, or targeted policing initiatives. Continuous monitoring and analysis of these fluctuations are vital for effective crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Crook

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, consider attending self-defence classes and being aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Due to the high incidence of anti-social behaviour, avoid poorly lit areas and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. With criminal damage and arson being a concern, ensure your property is well-secured and any potential fire hazards are addressed. Be mindful of your belongings in public places to reduce the risk of theft. Finally, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety.

Crimes in Crook demonstrate varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are slightly more concentrated in the afternoon (15%), while theft shows a prevalence during commercial hours. Vehicle crime is notably higher overnight (12%), suggesting opportunistic targeting. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a higher incidence of theft (10%) and vehicle crime (4%), potentially linked to increased activity in the area. Overall, crime tends to be more dispersed throughout the day, with no single period dominating. Understanding these patterns can inform targeted safety measures and preventative strategies.

When comparing Crook to its neighbours, the crime rates vary considerably. Billy Row presents a significantly lower rate of 50.6 per 1,000, while Hunwick reports no recorded crime. Willington (County Durham) echoes Crook’s higher rate at 128.8 per 1,000, suggesting a regional pattern. Witton-le-Wear also demonstrates a low crime rate, mirroring Hunwick. These comparisons highlight that Crook's crime statistics are somewhat elevated compared to some surrounding areas, and warrant a deeper understanding of the factors at play.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a record of events after a burglary has occurred. scOS, however, takes a proactive approach. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, utilising AI to detect threats at the property boundary, preventing incidents before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature can instantly identify fake number plates, a common tactic used by vehicle thieves. Furthermore, scOS’s pattern learning capability recognises family members and deliveries, minimising false alarms and ensuring that only genuine threats trigger a response. The visible presence of scOS signals a serious commitment to security, often deterring potential criminals who prefer easier targets. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your property is another.