Pelton and Ouston Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

November 2025 marked an unexpected shift in Pelton and Ouston's crime profile, with a 100% increase in 'other theft' and 'public order' offences, despite the area's overall crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000—31.5% below the UK average. This built-up area within County Durham, which typically experiences lower crime levels than larger urban centres, saw violence and sexual offences account for 50% of all incidents, a rate (2.5 per 1,000) that remained 3% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, occurred at 0.7 per 1,000, 34% below the national figure, a statistic that may reflect the area's smaller population and lower density of commercial or social activity. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—likely contributed to the rise in public order offences, as increased foot traffic and reduced visibility may have created conditions conducive to such incidents. Meanwhile, the drop in burglary (50% compared to the previous month) and anti-social behaviour (60%) suggests that local initiatives or natural deterrents, such as community awareness or environmental factors, may have played a role in curbing these crimes. The relatively low rate of criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000, 32% above the UK average) indicates a unique local pattern that may be influenced by the area's specific geography or land use, though further analysis would be required to confirm this. Overall, Pelton and Ouston's crime picture in November 2025 illustrates a combination of seasonal pressures and the area's inherent characteristics, with the most striking anomaly being the unexpected surge in other theft and public order offences.

November 2025 saw a 100% increase in 'other theft' and 'public order' offences compared to the previous month, marking a sharp deviation from the overall downward trend in crime. This rise contrasts with a 60% decline in anti-social behaviour and a 50% reduction in burglary, both of which had been higher in October. The area's violent crime rate—15 incidents, or 2.5 per 1,000—remained 3% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, a category that typically sees higher rates in urban centres. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 34% below the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the area's smaller population and lower density of nightlife or commercial activity. The increase in other theft, while significant, was offset by a 41% deficit in this category compared to the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as seasonal retail activity or community vigilance may have played a role. Residents may find the 100% rise in public order offences particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential shift in local dynamics during November's darker evenings and increased foot traffic.

Pelton and Ouston's crime rate in November 2025 dropped by 31.8% compared to the previous month, reflecting a marked decline in reported incidents. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though November's rate remains significantly lower than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the month, a figure that, while low, provides a tangible measure of local activity. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for approximately every 200 residents, underscoring the relatively sparse nature of criminal incidents in this built-up area. When contextualised against the population of 6,009, this monthly exposure highlights the area's continued safety profile compared to national benchmarks. The decline in anti-social behaviour and burglary, coupled with the rise in other theft and public order offences, suggests shifting patterns that may be influenced by seasonal factors such as the timing of Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping. These fluctuations, while notable, do not detract from the overall trend of sustained low crime levels in Pelton and Ouston.