Dipton Crime Rate

Dipton currently holds a safety score of 82/100, positioning it as a safer-than-average location compared to the UK benchmark of 78. The overall crime rate in the area is 79.7 per 1,000 people, which remains comfortably below the national average of 93.1. However, the community should be aware of a sharp increasing trend, with total offences rising by 40.1% year-over-year. This significant jump suggests a changing local safety landscape that warrants attention. While Dipton remains statistically secure, the recent surge in reported incidents, particularly in violence and anti-social behaviour, highlights the importance of staying informed. This report breaks down the specific risks and patterns to help residents maintain their safety.

In Dipton, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 34.4% of all reported incidents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 30.5%, and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. Together, these three types make up the vast majority of local police activity. Property crime, while less frequent than violent or behavioural offences, still presents a risk to the community. The overall property crime rate is 19.1 per 1,000 residents, which includes burglary (4.6%), vehicle crime (4.6%), and other theft (3.8%). For homeowners, this means that while personal safety is a primary concern, the threat of property damage and opportunistic theft remains a factor that requires proactive defensive measures.

Dipton is currently facing a significant increase in criminal activity, with a year-over-year rise of 40.1%. This is a substantial jump that suggests a more active criminal environment than in previous years. Monthly data shows high levels of volatility; while February 2025 saw a low of 2.7 crimes per 1,000 people, the rate rocketed to 12.5 in April 2025. Other peaks occurred in July (10.6) and June (7.6). This erratic pattern, combined with the overall upward trend, indicates that crime is not just increasing but doing so in unpredictable bursts. For residents, this means that consistent, year-round security measures are necessary, as the risk level can change rapidly from month to month.

How To Keep Safe in Dipton

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Dipton, making up over a third of all incidents. While often occurring between known parties, maintaining personal safety awareness in public spaces is always recommended.

To improve your safety and protect your property, we suggest the following:

• Afternoon Vigilance: With 26% of burglaries occurring in the afternoon, always ensure your home is fully locked and secured when you leave for work or school.
• Secure Vehicle Storage: Vehicle crime is most common at night (38%). If possible, park in a garage or behind locked gates, and never leave valuables inside the car.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB accounts for 30.5% of local crime. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities allocate resources to the right areas.
• Deter Property Damage: Criminal damage is a top three concern. Installing motion-activated security lights can deter vandals and provide better visibility for your home's exterior.
• Join Local Groups: Stay connected with your neighbours through social media or community groups to share information about suspicious activity in the area.

Crime timing in Dipton shows distinct trends that residents should be aware of. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a critical time for property safety, as it accounts for 26% of all burglaries. During this period, theft also makes up 32% of reported offences. In the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts significantly toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 54% of incidents. Overnight (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, representing 38% of the crime mix. Interestingly, while burglary remains a threat throughout the 24-hour cycle, it is slightly more likely during the day and early evening than in the deep of night. This suggests that opportunistic criminals are active both when residents are out at work and when the cover of darkness provides anonymity for vehicle-related offences.

In the local context of County Durham, Dipton offers a relatively secure environment compared to some of its neighbours. It is significantly safer than Annfield Plain, where the crime rate is much higher at 126.6 per 1,000, and also compares favourably to Tanfield Lea at 94.5. However, it is slightly less secure than Tantobie, which has a lower rate of 55.4. For those looking for the quietest local area, Hobson reported no crimes at all during this period. This regional comparison shows that while Dipton is not the lowest-crime area in the immediate vicinity, it remains a much safer alternative to the more densely populated surrounding settlements.

Dipton's property crime rate of 19.1 per 1,000 residents, combined with a 40.1% increase in overall crime, necessitates a shift from reactive to proactive security. Traditional CCTV and doorbell cameras are often 'after-the-fact' tools; they provide evidence of a crime but do little to stop it. scOS provides a more advanced solution by using AI to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS detects potential threats in real-time. Whether it's an intruder in your garden in the afternoon—when 26% of local burglaries occur—or someone approaching your car at night, the system can engage autonomous responses like speakers and lights to deter the individual immediately. This proactive stance, powered by pattern learning and vehicle verification, ensures that your home is not just watched, but actively protected. In a rising crime environment like Dipton, the deterrence provided by scOS is a vital asset for any homeowner.