Leadgate Crime Rate

Leadgate maintains an overall crime rate of 88.4 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is accompanied by a safety score of 77/100, placing it just below the national average of 79. While Leadgate is statistically safer than many larger urban centres, the area has seen a 10.0% increase in crime over the last year. This upward trend suggests a period of rising activity that residents should be mindful of. The majority of reported incidents are related to violence and anti-social behaviour, while property crime remains relatively low. For those living in or moving to Leadgate, the data presents a picture of a typical settlement with a safety profile that is largely in line with UK norms, albeit with a recent slight increase in reported offences.

Crime Breakdown in Leadgate

Leadgate's crime statistics are dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.2% of all recorded incidents (122 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.6% and criminal damage and arson at 13.0%. These three categories alone make up nearly 80% of all reported crime in the area.

Property-related crime in Leadgate occurs at a rate of 22.0 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes 8 shoplifting offences, 8 vehicle crimes, and 6 burglaries. Other theft and robbery also contribute to the total. For residents, this means that while violent crime and anti-social behaviour are the most frequent issues, the statistical risk to homes and vehicles is relatively low compared to national figures. However, the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that property owners should still prioritise perimeter security to deter vandalism and opportunistic offences. Homeowners can take some comfort in the low burglary rate, but the high percentage of violent crime indicates that personal awareness remains a key safety factor in the village.

Crime Trends in Leadgate

Leadgate is currently experiencing a moderate upward trend in crime. Total reported incidents have increased by 10.0% year-over-year, indicating a slight rise in criminal activity in the village.

Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents has shown some fluctuation. The period began with a rate of 5.6 in December 2024, but saw a notable rise to 9.1 in January 2025. After a dip in the early spring, the rate rose again, peaking at 9.8 in June and October 2025. The year ended with a rate of 8.4 in November. While these fluctuations are not extreme, the overall 10.0% increase suggests that the area is slightly more active than in the previous year. Residents should stay informed about local policing and maintain consistent security practices to adapt to this modest rise in reported offences.

How To Keep Safe in Leadgate

The most prevalent crime in Leadgate is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 48.2% of all recorded incidents. While the overall crime rate is near the national average, personal safety awareness is the most important factor for residents.

When moving around the village, especially during the evening or night, stick to well-lit main roads. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated shortcuts can significantly reduce your risk. If you are out alone, consider using a personal safety app or letting a friend know your route and expected arrival time.

For property security, given that criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are notable factors, ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained and clearly visible from the street. Motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent, as it removes the cover of darkness that many offenders prefer. Vehicle crime accounts for 31% of night-time incidents (12am-6am), so always park in a garage or well-lit driveway, and never leave valuables on display. Finally, engaging with local community groups or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can help keep you informed about any unusual activity in the area, further enhancing the safety of the Leadgate community.

Crime timing in Leadgate shows distinct windows of risk for different offences. Theft-related crimes, including shoplifting, are most frequent during the day, peaking in the afternoon (17%) and morning (14%). This corresponds with when local businesses are most active. In contrast, property-related threats like vehicle crime are heavily concentrated at night (12am - 6am), where they account for 31% of all reported incidents—their highest percentage of the day. Burglary also peaks during the afternoon (18%) and night (15%). The evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by 'Other' offences (74%), which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues. These patterns suggest that while daytime residents should be alert to opportunistic theft, the overnight period is the most critical time for vehicle and perimeter security.

In the local context, Leadgate sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. It has a slightly higher crime rate than nearby Consett (86.6) and is more active than Dipton (76.6). However, it is significantly less safe than smaller, more rural neighbours like Ebchester, which has a rate of 28.3, or Medomsley, which reports no crime at all. This comparison shows that Leadgate is a typical urban settlement for the region, experiencing more activity than its rural counterparts but remaining safer than many major towns. For residents, this means that while Leadgate is generally secure, maintaining standard safety precautions is more important here than in the very quiet surrounding villages.

Leadgate's property crime rate of 22.0 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, but the recent 10.0% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should not become complacent. Most traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed.

To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that stops crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time. Instead of just recording an intruder, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area like Leadgate, where 31% of night-time crime is vehicle-related, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and identify suspicious patterns at the perimeter provides a superior level of protection, ensuring your property remains secure even as local crime trends fluctuate.