Gainford Crime Rate

Gainford is a secure and peaceful urban settlement located within the County Durham local authority, boasting a high safety score of 92/100. With an overall crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000 residents, Gainford is significantly safer than the UK average of 93.1. The area is currently seeing a positive trend in safety, with a 6.0% year-over-year decrease in total crime. Property crime, however, remains a point of focus for the community, with a rate of 19.6 per 1,000 residents—though still well below the national average of 32.9. This detailed report explores the specific crime types, timing patterns, and local comparisons that define Gainford's current safety landscape, providing residents with the insights needed to protect their homes and families.

Crime Breakdown in Gainford

Gainford’s crime profile is characterised by three primary categories that account for the majority of incidents. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 24.1% of reports. This is followed closely by criminal damage and arson at 21.5%, and burglary at 19.0%. The high percentage of burglary is particularly notable for a village of this size, indicating that residential security is a key concern for the local community.

Property-related crime overall—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is a significant factor in Gainford, with a rate of 19.6 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it represents over half of all crime in the village. Vehicle crime accounts for 11.4% of incidents, and anti-social behaviour contributes 15.2%. For homeowners and residents, these figures suggest that while the area feels safe, there is a tangible risk to property that requires active management, particularly regarding home and vehicle security.

Crime Trends in Gainford

Gainford is currently seeing a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a 6.0% year-over-year decrease in total reported incidents. This reduction is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that local safety is improving. Analysis of the monthly trendData from late 2024 through 2025 reveals some fluctuations; for example, crime rates were as low as 0.9 per 1,000 in November 2024 but rose to a peak of 5.1 in July 2025.

Following the summer peak, the crime rate has shown a slight downward trajectory, ending 2025 with a rate of 4.3 in October. These monthly variations are common in smaller settlements where a handful of incidents can significantly impact the data. However, the overall annual decrease confirms that Gainford remains a secure location. For residents, this trend means that while vigilance is still required—especially during the summer months—the village is fundamentally maintaining its status as a high-safety area within County Durham.

How To Keep Safe in Gainford

Gainford is a safe village, but violence and sexual offences (24.1%) and criminal damage (21.5%) are the most frequently reported categories. Additionally, the burglary rate is a notable factor for local property owners.

1. Ensure your home is clearly visible from the street by keeping hedges trimmed; burglars and vandals prefer properties with plenty of cover.
2. Be mindful of personal safety during the afternoon and evening hours when most local incidents are reported; stick to well-lit areas when walking.
3. Secure all vehicles and remove valuables every night, as vehicle crime accounts for over 11% of the village's total offences.
4. Consider installing a high-quality home security system that prioritises boundary detection to deter criminal damage and burglary before they occur.
5. Participate in community safety initiatives; a vigilant neighbourhood is the most effective way to maintain Gainford's downward crime trend and high safety score.

Crime Time Patterns in Gainford

Criminal activity in Gainford follows a pattern that highlights specific vulnerabilities for property owners. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is particularly high-risk for burglary, where it accounts for 46% of all reported crimes. This suggests that intruders are active when homes are most likely to be empty during the working day.

As the day moves into the evening and night, the focus shifts slightly. While burglary remains high (34-36%), vehicle crime becomes a major factor overnight, representing 34% of crimes between 12am and 6am. Morning hours see a mix of theft and miscellaneous offences. Overall, the data indicates that Gainford residents should be most vigilant about home security during the afternoon and vehicle security during the night. The village generally remains quiet during the early morning hours, with most anti-social behaviour occurring in the late evening, particularly on weekends.

Gainford sits in a relatively safe corridor of County Durham, especially when compared to several nearby settlements. Its crime rate of 33.7 is notably lower than that of Evenwood (77.2), Cockfield (56.3), and Staindrop (55.8). While it does not match the 0.0 crime rate of the very small nearby area of Merrybent, Gainford offers a much more secure environment than the larger or more densely populated parts of the region. For those considering a move to the area, Gainford represents a middle ground that provides a strong sense of security while remaining integrated into the local community. Its downward crime trend further enhances its appeal compared to areas where crime may be stagnant or increasing.

In Gainford, where property crime accounts for a significant portion of local offences and burglary stands at 19.0% of total crime, traditional security measures may not be enough. Most homeowners rely on reactive systems—cameras that send an alert after a window is broken or a door is opened. While this provides evidence for the police, it does nothing to prevent the trauma of a break-in.

For Gainford residents who want to stop crime before it happens, the scOS AI-powered security operating system is the ideal solution. scOS uses proactive AI to monitor your property boundaries, detecting potential intruders long before they reach your home. By identifying threats in real-time and activating autonomous responses like lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach is particularly effective in residential areas where most crime is opportunistic. By choosing scOS, you are not just recording a crime; you are preventing it, ensuring your home remains a secure sanctuary in a safe village.