County Durham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2025, County Durham recorded 4,786 crimes, equating to 8.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. For a population of over 538,000, this translates to roughly 478 crimes per 10,000 people, highlighting the scale of criminal activity in the region. The overall rate is 27.1% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects both local conditions and broader national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.8% of all incidents (1,715 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.5%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of December, including the Christmas shopping peak, extended dark evenings, and the presence of empty homes during holiday absences. The high rate of violence may be partially explained by increased social interactions in urban centres like Durham City or the impact of festive gatherings on public spaces. Anti-social behaviour's elevated rate could be linked to the density of populated areas and the challenges of managing crowds during the holiday season. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.1 per 1,000, were 112% above the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the combination of cold weather, which can exacerbate property-related crimes, and the presence of industrial or commercial sites in parts of the county that may be targeted during periods of reduced oversight. These patterns illustrate the combination of seasonal factors, local geography, and the demographics of the area in shaping crime trends.

December 2025 saw a striking 79.3% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 135 to 242—a surge that may reflect unclassified or emerging criminal activities. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 56.3% (16 to 7), potentially linked to reduced cycling during the holiday season or increased security measures. Other theft also decreased by 23.7% (291 to 222), a drop that could indicate seasonal shifts in retail activity or improved anti-theft strategies. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 3.2 per 1,000—25% above the UK average—highlighting ongoing pressures in social and public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.4 per 1,000, was 51% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in managing community tensions. These figures, while showing some positive trends, underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas with elevated violent crime and anti-social activity.

County Durham's crime rate in December 2025 (8.9 per 1,000 residents) marked a 3.6% decline from November's 9.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but notable downward trend. However, this rate remains 27.1% above the UK average, underscoring persistent challenges in the region. Daily crime activity averaged 154 incidents per day, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, highlights the continuous presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents—a statistic that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. With a population of 538,011, this translates to a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, suggests that crime is a regular concern for many households. The slight decrease from November may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during holiday closures, though the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK average. This contrast with national trends indicates that local conditions—such as urban density in areas like Durham City or industrial activity in parts of the county—may play a role in sustaining higher crime levels.