Peterlee Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Peterlee, County Durham, reveal a crime rate of 145.0 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This rate is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a heightened level of criminal activity compared to the national picture. While the safety score stands at 67 out of 100, this is also below the UK average of 79, suggesting that residents may perceive a lower level of safety than in many other areas. Understanding these figures and the underlying trends is crucial for addressing concerns and implementing effective preventative measures.

In Peterlee, the most prevalent crimes recorded between January 2025 and December 2025 were related to violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.2% of all reported incidents (1128 crimes). Anti-social behaviour followed, representing 16.3% (482 crimes), and criminal damage and arson contributed 11.8% (348 crimes). Shoplifting was also a notable concern, with 329 incidents, constituting 11.1% of the total. Overall property crime in Peterlee stands at a rate of 47.1 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the UK average. The prevalence of these specific crime types highlights potential challenges related to community safety and public order within the area.

Crime rates in Peterlee have remained relatively stable between January 2025 and December 2025, showing a decrease of 1.6% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, with peaks in June and October, and a notable dip in December. For instance, the crime rate per 1,000 residents rose to 13.3 in June and October, compared to a lower rate of 9.9 in December. This slight overall decrease suggests a degree of consistency in criminal activity, though further analysis is needed to determine the underlying factors driving these monthly variations.

How To Keep Safe in Peterlee

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Peterlee, it's essential to remain vigilant. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, particularly after dark. Thirdly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly, providing as much detail as possible.

Crimes in Peterlee exhibit varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (13%), while vehicle crime is most common during the night (20%). Theft demonstrates a distinct pattern with a higher incidence during commercial hours, both in the morning and afternoon. Violence tends to peak during the evening (0%) hours. Overall, the evening period (6pm-12am) sees a relatively higher proportion of crimes across different categories, highlighting a need for increased vigilance during these hours.

Peterlee's crime rate of 145.0 per 1,000 is higher than neighbouring areas such as Wingate (134.5 per 1,000), but is comparable to Shotton Colliery (141.0 per 1,000) and marginally higher than Horden (171.9 per 1,000) and Easington (County Durham) (172.0 per 1,000). These figures suggest that Peterlee faces similar challenges to other communities within the region in terms of maintaining public safety, and further investigation into the specific factors contributing to these rates across the area is warranted.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. If you're concerned about security in Peterlee, consider a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicles with DVLA data and learning your family's routines to differentiate genuine threats from normal activity. The visible presence of scOS, with its autonomous response – activating lights and speakers – often deters potential burglars, making them move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. While DIY systems have their place, scOS offers a professional-grade level of protection, signalling a serious commitment to safety within the context of Peterlee's crime statistics.