Peterlee Crime Rate

About Peterlee

Peterlee, an urban settlement, records an overall crime rate of 143.4 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 67 out of 100, Peterlee is considered less safe than the UK average safety score of 78/100. The crime rate in Peterlee has shown a decreasing trend over the past year, falling by 6.6%, suggesting positive progress in reducing criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Peterlee

An analysis of crime types in Peterlee reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with a rate of 56.2 per 1,000 people, accounting for 39.2% of all recorded crimes. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour at 22.2 per 1,000 residents (15.5%), and Criminal damage and arson at 16.9 per 1,000 residents (11.8%). These three categories collectively represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area. Property-related crime, which encompasses offences such as burglary (3.6 per 1,000), robbery (0.8 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (16.9 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.8 per 1,000), and other theft (5.5 per 1,000), stands at an overall rate of 46.1 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 Peterlee

Peterlee has experienced a decreasing trend in crime over the past year, with a fall of 6.6% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. Starting at 11.6 in November 2024, it saw a dip to 8.7 in January 2025, before generally increasing through the spring and summer months, reaching a peak of 13.8 in July. The trend saw some fluctuations, ending at 13.3 in October 2025. This downward trend indicates positive progress in reducing criminal activity, offering some reassurance to residents.

How To Keep Safe in Peterlee

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

1. Be highly vigilant in public spaces: Peterlee'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 Peterlee

Crime in Peterlee 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

Peterlee's crime rate of 143.4 per 1,000 residents is generally comparable to some of its immediate neighbours. Shotton Colliery has a similar rate at 144.2 per 1,000, and Wingate is slightly lower at 133.9 per 1,000. In contrast, Horden (176.2 per 1,000) and Easington (County Durham) (174.5 per 1,000) report significantly higher crime rates, indicating areas with greater crime challenges. This comparison highlights Peterlee's position as an urban settlement with an elevated crime rate relative to some of its immediate surroundings.

Proactive Protection Against Crime

With Peterlee experiencing a property crime rate of 46.1 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.