Durham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Durham's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.9% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This rate translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 143 residents, a figure that, while slightly elevated, remains within a range that many residents would consider manageable. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (38% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.3%), and shoplifting (16.6%). These patterns align with the area's character as a mixed urban and industrial hub, where public spaces and retail zones may contribute to higher rates of certain offences. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday lulls, reduced retail footfall, and shorter days—likely influenced the crime profile. For instance, shoplifting rates, though high, may be partially explained by the post-Christmas period, which typically sees a temporary dip in retail activity. Violence and sexual offences, however, remained consistently elevated, suggesting deeper societal or environmental factors at play, such as community tensions or unmet social needs. Anti-social behaviour, which was 29% above the UK average, may reflect challenges in managing public spaces or addressing underlying issues like substance use or mental health support gaps. While the overall rate is slightly above the national average, the seasonal and contextual factors provide a framework for understanding these figures without overgeneralisation. Residents may find it useful to note that while violent crimes dominate the statistics, property-related offences such as burglary have shown significant declines, indicating that targeted efforts or seasonal dynamics may be contributing to this positive trend.

January 2026 saw a stark increase in theft from the person, rising from 0 to 1 incident—a 100% surge that, while small in absolute terms, signals a shift in crime patterns. This spike may reflect heightened awareness or a single incident that warrants local scrutiny. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 77.8%, from 9 to 2 incidents, potentially linked to increased security measures or seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. The area's shoplifting rate—1.2 per 1,000—remained 111% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge in retail crime. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000) was 29% above the UK average, suggesting that community-focused interventions may be necessary. The significant drop in public order offences (-52%) from 50 to 24 incidents could indicate improved policing or community engagement in key areas. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted strategies to address specific crime types while capitalising on the positive trends observed.

Durham's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 14.5% compared to the previous month's rate of 8.2 per 1,000, marking a notable decline. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of January, which typically sees shorter days and reduced retail activity, potentially limiting opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded 14 crimes per day, a figure that provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 143 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while slightly above the UK average, reflects a manageable level of risk for the population of 62,733. The decrease in burglary (-77.8%) and public order offences (-52%) suggests that targeted efforts or seasonal factors may have contributed to this downward trend. However, the increase in theft from the person (+100%) highlights areas requiring further attention. These figures, when contextualised with the area's built-up character and population density, illustrate a dynamic crime picture shaped by both local and national patterns.