Murton (County Durham) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Murton (County Durham)

Murton (County Durham), a built-up area with a population of approximately 7,604, records an overall crime rate of 195.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated crime landscape compared to the national picture. The area achieves a safety score of 60 out of 100, which is considerably below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Murton (County Durham) has experienced an increasing period, showing a 15.1% change year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview, setting the stage for a deeper dive into crime types, trends, and security advice relevant to Murton (County Durham) residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Murton (County Durham)

An examination of crime types in Murton (County Durham) reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 407 crimes (53.5 per 1,000 residents, 27.4% of total). This is followed by Shoplifting, accounting for 376 incidents (49.5 per 1,000, 25.3% of total), and Anti-social behaviour, which saw 200 crimes (26.3 per 1,000, 13.5% of total). These three categories represent a substantial proportion of all reported offences in the area.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Murton (County Durham) reports a rate of 98.5 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally high, significantly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a very high level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. The significant presence of shoplifting and criminal damage and arson, alongside an extremely high property crime rate, suggests that general vigilance and robust security measures are critical for protecting homes and assets.

Crime Trends in Murton (County Durham)

Murton (County Durham) has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a notable 15.1% change year-over-year. This indicates a significant rise in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this upward pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents, which was 20.3 in October 2024, showed a dip to 12.9 in April 2025, but generally remained elevated, peaking at 18.7 in July 2025, and then settling at 16.2 by September 2025. This suggests seasonal variations, with higher rates during the summer months.

For residents, this increasing trend warrants attention. While the overall crime rate is significantly above the UK average, the consistent year-over-year increase suggests a need for heightened awareness and a review of personal and property security measures. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be particularly vigilant and adapt their preventative strategies to address the escalating crime levels within the community, especially during the peak periods.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Murton (County Durham)

An analysis of crime data in Murton (County Durham) reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prevalent at 33%, followed by 'Other' crime categories at 43%, and vehicle crime at 14%. This suggests a period where various minor offences occur, alongside some property crime as residents begin their day.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining high at 38%, with 'Other' crimes at 42%, and burglary increasing to 14%. This could be linked to residential properties being unoccupied during working hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 64%, with theft reducing to 13% and vehicle crime at 13%. This shift might reflect increased social activity and different types of offences associated with the evening.

Night-time (12am-6am) demonstrates a clear focus on acquisitive crimes, with vehicle crime representing 34% and 'Other' crimes at 46%, and burglary 14%. This period, when most residents are asleep and properties are unattended, typically offers opportunities for these types of offences. Understanding these temporal patterns allows residents to be more vigilant and tailor their security measures to the specific risks of each time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive understanding of crime in Murton (County Durham), it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 195.4 per 1,000, Murton (County Durham) presents a significantly higher crime profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as South Hetton, Seaham, Easington Lane, and Haswell all contribute to the localised crime landscape. While specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, it is generally observed that crime rates can vary significantly even within close proximity, influenced by factors like population density and local amenities.

This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand how Murton (County Durham)'s crime rate positions it within the immediate vicinity. It underscores the importance of considering local nuances, as crime levels and types can vary even between closely situated neighbourhoods, offering valuable context for regional safety assessments and informing decisions about where to live.

Protecting Your Property in Murton (County Durham)

Given Murton (County Durham)'s property crime rate of 98.5 per 1,000 residents, which is exceptionally high and significantly above the national average, proactive home security is a critical consideration for homeowners. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV, often only record a burglary after it has happened, failing to prevent the incident. The emphasis should always be on deterring crime before it occurs.

For those seeking advanced protection, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive deterrence. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as a real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles. ScOS learns your routines, distinguishing between family and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Positioned as a professional-grade alternative to basic DIY systems, scOS shifts the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for Murton (County Durham) residents.