Middleton-in-Teesdale Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, reveal a crime rate of 15.3 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting the area's relative safety. While the overall crime rate is low, understanding the specific types of offences is crucial for community safety. The safety score for Middleton-in-Teesdale is 97/100, reflecting a generally secure environment. The observed trends indicate a stable situation, with a slight increase of 3.0% year-on-year. This page provides detailed insights into these statistics and offers practical advice to help residents feel secure.

The crime landscape of Middleton-in-Teesdale is primarily shaped by its rural location and close-knit community. While the overall crime rate remains relatively low compared to the national average, the types of offences observed reflect common challenges in similar areas. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of recorded crimes, accounting for 33.3% of incidents. This category can include disputes and occasional incidents of public disorder, reflecting the complexities of interpersonal relationships within a small community. Anti-social behaviour, at 24.5%, often manifests as minor disturbances and noise complaints, potentially linked to occasional gatherings or local events. Criminal damage and arson, though less frequent, contribute to the overall picture, and may arise from opportunistic acts or isolated incidents. The presence of burglary, accounting for 11.8% of crimes, underscores the importance of home security measures, and other theft (7.8%) highlights the need for vigilance against opportunistic crime. Vehicle crime is a smaller concern, but still warrants attention. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for interpreting the crime statistics and developing targeted preventative measures.

The crime rate in Middleton-in-Teesdale has remained relatively stable over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, showing a slight increase of 3.0% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks observed in March (1.4 per 1,000/month) and July (1.7 per 1,000/month), and a lower rate in February (0.8 per 1,000/month). December also showed a spike (1.7 per 1,000/month). These variations likely reflect seasonal factors, local events, or changes in police activity. While the overall trend is stable, continued monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to maintain the area's low crime rate.

How To Keep Safe in Middleton-in-Teesdale

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Consider walking with a friend or family member, and avoid poorly lit areas. Due to the level of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your property well, ensuring doors and windows are locked, particularly during evenings and when leaving the house unattended. Be mindful of your belongings when out in public, and avoid displaying valuables. Finally, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to build community resilience and share information about potential risks.

Crimes in Middleton-in-Teesdale tend to be distributed throughout the day, though patterns emerge when considering the type of crime. Burglary shows a slight peak in the afternoon (34%), while theft is more prevalent during commercial hours. Vehicle crime has a higher incidence overnight (13%), suggesting opportunistic targeting. Violence and sexual offences have a tendency to increase during the evening (49%), particularly in the hours between 6pm and midnight, potentially linked to social activities. Overall, there isn't a single period of the day where crime is entirely absent, highlighting the need for consistent vigilance and proactive security measures.

Comparing Middleton-in-Teesdale’s crime rate to neighbouring areas reveals a varied picture. Mickleton and Eastgate report zero crimes, demonstrating exceptional safety. However, Cotherstone experiences a moderate rate, while Startforth has a considerably higher crime rate of 118.0 per 1,000, indicating a significant difference in crime levels across the region. This comparison underscores the localised nature of crime and highlights the importance of understanding specific community factors contributing to these variations.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little in the way of preventative action. Reading crime statistics, as we’ve presented here, is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that detects potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA, and learning your family's routines to distinguish genuine threats from normal activity. The visible presence of scOS’s professional-grade equipment can act as a powerful deterrent, making that crucial 60-second decision for potential intruders – to move on. While DIY systems have their place, a proactive, AI-powered solution like scOS offers a demonstrably higher level of protection.