Crook Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Crook's built-up area recorded 148 crimes — a rate of 16.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 111.2% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This volume, for a population of 8,762, means that approximately 17 crimes occur for every 1,000 people, a figure that starkly contrasts with the national average. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (35.1% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and criminal damage and arson (16.2%). These patterns are consistent with the area's character as a smaller, densely populated built-up area within County Durham, where social interactions are frequent and public spaces are limited. The seasonal context of May — with longer evenings and bank holidays — likely contributes to increased outdoor drinking and socialising, which may partly explain the higher incidence of violent and anti-social crimes. While shoplifting and public order offences showed some decline, the overall trajectory remains concerning, with Crook's crime profile significantly diverging from the UK average. This divergence suggests a need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing violent crime and anti-social behaviour, which dominate the local crime profile.

May 2023 saw a 300% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 4 incidents — a sharp spike that may partly explain the overall rise in crime. Drug-related offences also surged by 150%, with 5 cases reported compared to 2 in April, suggesting a potential shift in local criminal activity patterns. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 14.3% to 18 incidents, though this remains 329% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, was 126% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000. This mix of increases and decreases highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics. For residents, the 300% rise in burglary is a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in areas with limited surveillance or security measures.

Crook's crime rate in May 2023 rose 38.3% compared to 12.2 per 1,000 in April, reflecting a significant upward trend. With 148 crimes reported over 31 days, this equates to roughly 5 crimes per day — a figure that highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 59 residents, underscoring the scale of exposure for local residents. While this monthly aggregate does not account for daily fluctuations, it provides context for how frequently crime intersects with daily life. The population of 8,762 means that each resident faces a higher-than-average risk compared to the UK as a whole, where the average rate is 8.0 per 1,000. This comparison reinforces the need for targeted community engagement and resource allocation in Crook, particularly given the stark divergence from national averages in specific categories like violent crime and anti-social behaviour.