Murton (County Durham) Crime Rate

About Murton (County Durham)

Murton (County Durham), an urban settlement, records an overall crime rate of 189.9 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 93.1 crimes per 1,000 people, indicating that crime levels in the area are substantially elevated compared to the rest of the UK. With a safety score of 60 out of 100, Murton (County Durham) is considered less safe than the UK average safety score of 78/100. The crime rate in Murton (County Durham) has shown an increasing trend over the past year, rising by 9.3%, suggesting a notable increase in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Murton (County Durham)

An analysis of crime types in Murton (County Durham) reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with a rate of 54.0 per 1,000 people, accounting for 28.5% of all recorded crimes. This is followed by Shoplifting at 45.5 per 1,000 residents (24.0%), and Anti-social behaviour at 25.6 per 1,000 residents (13.5%). These three categories collectively represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area. Property-related crime, which encompasses offences such as burglary (4.9 per 1,000), robbery (1.4 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.3 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (22.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (8.2 per 1,000), and other theft (9.5 per 1,000), stands at an overall rate of 92.5 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a very high risk of incidents affecting personal property, highlighting the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and possessions.

Crime Trends in Murton (County Durham)

Murton (County Durham) has experienced an increasing trend in crime over the past year, with a rise of 9.3% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. Starting at 16.4 in November 2024, it generally remained between 12.9 and 18.7, with a peak of 18.7 in July 2025. The trend saw some fluctuations, ending at 14.7 in October 2025. This upward trend suggests a need for increased vigilance among residents, particularly given the notable year-on-year increase.

How To Keep Safe in Murton (County Durham)

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Murton (County Durham), personal safety is a critical concern. Here are some localised tips:

1. Be highly vigilant in public spaces: Murton's town centre and public areas can be busy. Remain alert to your surroundings, especially during evenings and weekends.
2. Rigorously secure your property: With a very high property crime rate, it is crucial to invest in robust home security. Ensure all doors and windows have strong locks, consider a monitored alarm system, and use security lighting.
3. Protect your belongings from shoplifting: Shoplifting is also a major concern. Keep bags and valuables secure and out of sight when in retail areas.
4. Report all suspicious activity: Your vigilance is key. Report any unusual behaviour or potential criminal activity to the police immediately to help deter further incidents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Murton (County Durham)

Crime in Murton (County Durham) exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, with varying levels of activity across different time periods. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods show higher instances of theft and burglary, likely linked to daytime activity and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant increase in 'Other' crimes, which often include public order offences and violence, coinciding with socialising and nightlife. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and 'Other' offences become more prominent, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, providing opportunities for these types of offences.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Murton (County Durham)'s crime rate of 189.9 per 1,000 residents is among the highest in its immediate vicinity. Easington (County Durham) has a comparable high rate at 174.5 per 1,000, and Easington Lane is also high at 125.1 per 1,000, indicating areas with significant crime challenges. In contrast, South Hetton (68.4 per 1,000) and Seaham (88.0 per 1,000) report lower crime rates, suggesting they are safer areas. Haswell (94.5 per 1,000) also has a lower crime rate. This comparison highlights Murton (County Durham)'s position as an urban settlement facing substantial crime challenges.

Proactive Protection Against Crime

With Murton (County Durham) experiencing a property crime rate of 92.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average, residents should strongly consider robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often only provide reactive recording – giving you footage after a burglary has occurred. However, genuine protection lies in preventing crime before it happens. Sophisticated AI-powered systems, like scOS, offer proactive defence by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than after an intrusion. Unlike systems that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Its advanced pattern learning can differentiate between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms and ensuring you're only alerted when necessary. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and engage speakers, destroying the element of surprise and often causing potential intruders to move on within 60 seconds. This professional-grade deterrence is a significant step beyond basic DIY systems, offering real-time intervention and peace of mind by actively preventing crime rather than just documenting it.