Pelton and Ouston Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Pelton and Ouston, a built-up area within County Durham, reveal a crime rate of 84.7 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the area demonstrates a positive trend with crime decreasing by 15.0% year-on-year, understanding the specific types of crimes and their distribution remains crucial. Violence and sexual offences represent a significant portion of reported crimes, alongside concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Examining these patterns in detail provides valuable insight into the safety and security of the local community.

Pelton and Ouston, a built-up area within County Durham, exhibits a complex crime profile. The most prevalent offences reported between January 2025 and December 2025 involve violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.7% of all recorded crimes. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (24.6%), and criminal damage and arson (11.0%). Property crime, while lower than violence, remains a concern, with a rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting represents a smaller proportion of overall crime, but still warrants attention. The area's demographic makeup, including factors such as income levels, population density, and the presence of community facilities, likely contribute to the observed crime patterns. Further research into socioeconomic factors could provide a deeper understanding of these trends.

Crime rates in Pelton and Ouston have demonstrated a noteworthy decrease of 15.0% year-on-year between January 2025 and December 2025. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, with higher rates observed in February (7.7 per 1,000) and August (9.2 per 1,000). However, significant drops are evident in March (5.0 per 1,000) and September (5.5 per 1,000). This downward trend suggests a positive shift in community safety, potentially attributable to targeted interventions and increased vigilance. Continued monitoring of these patterns is crucial to sustain this progress.

How To Keep Safe in Pelton and Ouston

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's important to remain vigilant when out alone, particularly during the evening. Consider walking with a friend or utilising well-lit routes. Regarding criminal damage and arson, secure valuables and be mindful of fire safety precautions. For those concerned about theft, ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. A neighbourhood watch scheme can also provide an extra layer of community support and vigilance.

Criminal activity in Pelton and Ouston exhibits a pattern influenced by the time of day. Burglaries are most likely to occur during the afternoon (17%) and night (16%), while vehicle crime is significantly more prevalent during the night hours (32%). Theft follows a similar pattern, with a higher incidence during the afternoon and evening. Violence, while less frequent, tends to be concentrated during the evening hours. Overall, a larger proportion of crimes (46%) occur during the night, highlighting the importance of heightened vigilance and security measures during these times.

Pelton and Ouston's crime rate of 84.7 per 1,000 residents places it within a varied context when compared to similar areas. Urpeth has a significantly higher rate at 20.1 per 1,000, while Newfield and West Pelton report rates of 0.0. Whitehill, however, experiences a notably elevated rate of 106.8 per 1,000. These disparities highlight the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety levels.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach, recording incidents after they’ve occurred. However, in Pelton and Ouston, where violence and theft are concerning factors, a more proactive approach is essential. Systems like scOS offer a fundamentally different level of protection. By utilising AI to detect threats at the property boundary – for example, recognising unfamiliar vehicles or individuals – scOS can prevent incidents before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning identifies your family and deliveries, minimizing false alarms. Imagine the deterrent effect of lights activating and speakers engaging the moment a potential threat is identified – the element of surprise is entirely on your side. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.