Durham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Durham’s built-up area recorded 521 crimes, translating to a rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents—29.7% above the UK average of 6.4. This figure places the area in a distinct position compared to national trends, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 33.2% of total crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.5%) and shoplifting (13.2%). The dominance of violent crime and disorder-related incidents reflects patterns typical of densely populated urban centres, where proximity between residents and limited public space may heighten tensions. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the crime profile: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, saw a pre-spring lull that may have shifted criminal focus indoors. However, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour—87% above the UK average—suggests localised pressures, linked to the area’s social fabric or economic conditions. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s 90% excess over the UK average aligns with the presence of retail hubs in the built-up area, where high pedestrian traffic creates opportunities for theft. The overall rate, though elevated, remains consistent with Durham’s character as a historically significant urban area with a mix of historic and modern infrastructure, where crime patterns often reflect both geographic and socioeconomic factors.

February 2026 saw dramatic spikes in specific crime types, with burglary increasing by 1,000% (from 2 to 22 incidents) and bicycle theft surging by 400% (from 1 to 5). These jumps suggest potential shifts in criminal activity, possibly linked to seasonal factors or changes in local conditions. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained the second-most common category, contributing 20.5% of total crimes—87% above the UK average. This stark discrepancy from national trends may reflect Durham’s built-up area dynamics, where concentrated populations and limited public space could exacerbate such issues. Conversely, vehicle crime fell 43% below the UK average, a pattern consistent with lower traffic density or effective local deterrents. Residents might find the 100% increase in theft from the person—though still a small share of total crimes—worth noting, particularly in high-footfall areas.

Durham’s crime rate in February 2026 rose to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, an 18.7% increase from the previous month’s 7.0. This translates to roughly 19 crimes reported each day, or one crime for every 120 residents over the course of the month. When scaled to the area’s population of 62,733, the monthly exposure highlights the frequency of incidents in a relatively compact built-up area. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals stark contrasts. For instance, vehicle crime in Durham was 43% below the UK average, potentially reflecting lower traffic density or better parking security in the built-up area. However, categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting were significantly higher, indicating local factors such as high pedestrian traffic or social dynamics that may contribute to these trends. The comparison underscores the need to contextualise Durham’s crime profile within both national benchmarks and its own demographic characteristics.