Durham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Durham, spanning from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 98.5 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall safety score remains consistent with the national average at 79/100, the prevalence of certain crime types warrants attention. Violence and sexual offences are notably high, alongside incidents of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Understanding these trends and the factors contributing to them is essential for promoting community safety and informing preventative measures. The data suggests a need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions to address these concerns.

Durham’s crime statistics for the period of January 2025 to December 2025 reveal a concerning pattern of offences. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crimes, accounting for 32% of the total and 1980 incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 17.8% (1098 crimes), demonstrating ongoing challenges within the community. Shoplifting is also prevalent, representing 16.8% of recorded crimes with 1035 incidents. Further contributing to the overall crime picture are public order offences (8.7%), criminal damage and arson (6.8%), and other theft (4.6%). While burglary appears comparatively less frequent at 3.7% (228 crimes), the presence of vehicle crime (2.0%) and drug-related offences (2.3%) highlights a range of issues impacting the area.

Crime rates in Durham have remained relatively stable between January 2025 and December 2025, exhibiting a slight decrease of 0.4% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. A noticeable spike occurred in October 2025 (10.2 per 1,000/month), which was followed by a slight dip in November (9.3 per 1,000/month). December 2025 saw a return to levels closer to the start of the year (8.2 per 1,000/month). While this stability is encouraging, the variations throughout the year suggest ongoing challenges that require continued monitoring and proactive interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Durham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings is crucial, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups whenever possible. Due to the higher incidence of shoplifting, secure your belongings when shopping and be mindful of pickpockets. Home security is also important; ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, be vigilant about anti-social behaviour and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Reporting suspicious behaviour helps the police to respond effectively.

Crime in Durham exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur in the morning (12%) and afternoon (20%), while theft sees its peak during the afternoon (44%). Vehicle crime is notably concentrated during the evening (9%) and night (25%), suggesting vulnerabilities during these periods. The evening hours (6pm-12am) also witness a higher incidence of other crimes, highlighting potential risks during this time. Overall, a heightened awareness of your surroundings and increased vigilance are recommended, especially during the late evening and overnight hours.

When compared to neighbouring areas, Durham's crime rate presents a varied picture. High Shincliffe exhibits a lower rate at 44.5 per 1,000, suggesting a safer environment. Conversely, Ushaw Moor and Bearpark report a significantly higher rate of 109.9 per 1,000, indicating a more challenging situation. Sherburn (County Durham) displays a closer rate of 76.0 per 1,000, while Nettlesworth and Kimblesworth demonstrate a concerning rate of 115.9 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime and the importance of targeted interventions within Durham itself.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they occur, offering little in the way of prevention. If you’re looking for real protection in Durham, consider a proactive system like scOS. scOS uses AI to learn your property’s routines and detect threats at the boundary—before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence continuously monitors all angles, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often convincing potential intruders to move on before any crime is committed. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.