Ebchester Crime Rate

Ebchester is one of the safest urban settlements in County Durham, with an overall crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 93.1, resulting in an exceptional safety score of 94/100. The crime trend in Ebchester is currently moving in a positive direction, with a 9.1% decrease in total incidents year-over-year. Property crime is also remarkably low at just 6.2 per 1,000, which is significantly better than the national average of 32.9. These figures confirm Ebchester's status as a highly secure community where residents can enjoy a high degree of peace and safety.

Crime Breakdown in Ebchester

Ebchester's crime profile is largely defined by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 37.5% of all recorded incidents (15 crimes). Violence and sexual offences follow at 27.5%, and criminal damage and arson at 12.5%. These three categories represent the majority of local police activity in the village.

Property crime in Ebchester is exceptionally low, with a rate of just 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This includes 'other theft' and vehicle crime, both of which account for 5.0% of total crimes. Notably, there were zero recorded burglaries in the latest data period, which is a strong indicator of the area's safety for homeowners. For residents, this means that while community-related issues like anti-social behaviour are the primary focus of local statistics, the risk of serious property loss or home invasion is remarkably minimal. With a safety score of 94/100, Ebchester is one of the most secure settlements in the region.

Crime Trends in Ebchester

Ebchester has seen a positive trend in crime over the last year, with a 9.1% decrease in total reported incidents. Monthly data shows that crime rates remain consistently low, with most months recording between 1.4 and 4.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. The peaks occurred in December 2024 and October 2025, while the lowest rate was recorded in February and May 2025.

This trend indicates that crime in Ebchester is stable and well-contained. The recent decrease reinforces the area's status as one of the safer settlements in the region. For residents, this means that the risk of crime is not only low but is also currently declining, providing a high degree of confidence in local safety and security. Monitoring these monthly patterns can help residents stay aware of occasional fluctuations in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Ebchester

Anti-social behaviour is the most common crime type in Ebchester, representing 37.5% of incidents. While the overall crime volume is very low, staying aware is always beneficial. Here are some safety tips for Ebchester residents:

1. Maintain strong links with your neighbours; an active and connected community is the most effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
2. Given that vehicle crime peaks at 44% during the night, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage, and never leave valuables inside.
3. Although property crime is low, ensure all outbuildings and sheds are securely locked, as these can be targets for opportunistic 'other theft'.
4. Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local County Durham police to help them maintain the area's high safety standards through targeted patrols.
5. Use smart home technology to monitor your property boundaries, providing an extra layer of deterrence that complements the local low-crime environment.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Ebchester

The timing of crime in Ebchester shows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are at their most prominent, accounting for 35% and 45% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are more likely to occur during daylight hours when there is more movement in the village.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of recorded crime shifts. Between 6pm and midnight, 'other' offences (including anti-social behaviour and violence) make up 69% of incidents. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to 44% of all recorded incidents. Conversely, theft drops to its lowest point of 7% during this period. This data highlights that while the day is prone to petty theft, the night is the period of highest risk for vehicle-related offences, making overnight vehicle security a priority for Ebchester residents.

In the local context of County Durham, Ebchester is a standout area for safety. It is significantly more secure than nearby Chopwell, which has a much higher crime rate of 87.1 per 1,000. While Ebchester's rate of 27.6 is higher than the very small neighbouring settlements of Medomsley, Blackhall Mill, and Hamsterley Mill—all of which reported zero crimes—it remains an exceptionally low-crime area for its size. This comparison highlights Ebchester as a premier choice for residents seeking a safe, established community that performs far better than regional and national averages.

Ebchester's exceptional safety, including a zero percent burglary rate, is a significant asset for the community. However, the fact that vehicle crime peaks at 44% during the night suggests that proactive protection is still a valuable investment. Traditional security systems often rely on recording incidents as they happen, which only provides evidence after a crime has been committed.

scOS offers a modern alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to prevent crime before it reaches your door. By monitoring property boundaries in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential threat, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders. This proactive approach is particularly valuable for maintaining the zero-burglary status and addressing the night-time vehicle crime risk. Instead of just having footage of an incident, scOS aims to ensure the incident never occurs, preserving the safety and character of the Ebchester community.