Peterlee Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Peterlee

Peterlee, a built-up area with a population of approximately 20,367, records an overall crime rate of 142.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated crime landscape compared to the national picture. The area achieves a safety score of 67 out of 100, which is considerably below the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Peterlee has experienced a decreasing period, showing a -9.3% change year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview, setting the stage for a deeper dive into crime types, trends, and security advice relevant to Peterlee residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Peterlee

An examination of crime types in Peterlee reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 1,111 crimes (54.5 per 1,000 residents, 38.3% of total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 443 incidents (21.8 per 1,000, 15.3% of total), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 365 crimes (17.9 per 1,000, 12.6% of total). These three categories represent a substantial proportion of all reported offences in the area.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Peterlee reports a rate of 46.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a higher level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. The notable presence of criminal damage and arson, alongside a very high property crime rate, suggests that general vigilance and robust security measures are critical for protecting homes and assets.

Crime Trends in Peterlee

Peterlee has experienced a decreasing crime trend over the past year, with a notable -9.3% change year-over-year. This indicates a significant reduction in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations within this positive pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents, which was 12.4 in October 2024, saw a dip to 8.9 in December 2024, and after some variation, generally remained around 12-13, settling at 12.1 by September 2025. There was a notable spike in February 2025 to 12.3.

For residents, this decreasing trend is a positive development, suggesting that crime levels are on a downward trajectory. However, despite the reduction, the overall crime rate remains above the UK average, meaning continued vigilance is still necessary. Understanding these monthly fluctuations can help residents to be aware of any temporary increases and maintain their security measures effectively.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Peterlee

An analysis of crime data in Peterlee reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), 'Other' crime categories are most prevalent at 50%, followed by theft-related offences at 30%, and burglary at 9%. This suggests a period where various minor offences occur, alongside some property crime as residents begin their day.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees 'Other' crimes remaining high at 45%, with theft at 34%, and burglary increasing to 16%. This could be linked to residential properties being unoccupied during working hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 68%, with burglary at 12% and vehicle crime at 9%. This shift might reflect increased social activity and different types of offences associated with the evening.

Night-time (12am-6am) demonstrates a clear focus on acquisitive crimes, with vehicle crime representing 26% and 'Other' crimes at 52%, and burglary 16%. This period, when most residents are asleep and properties are unattended, typically offers opportunities for these types of offences. Understanding these temporal patterns allows residents to be more vigilant and tailor their security measures to the specific risks of each time of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a comprehensive understanding of crime in Peterlee, it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 142.4 per 1,000, Peterlee presents a higher crime profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as Horden, Shotton Colliery, Easington (County Durham), and Wingate all contribute to the localised crime landscape. While specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, it is generally observed that crime rates can vary significantly even within close proximity, influenced by factors like population density and local amenities.

This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand how Peterlee's crime rate positions it within the immediate vicinity. It underscores the importance of considering local nuances, as crime levels and types can vary even between closely situated neighbourhoods, offering valuable context for regional safety assessments and informing decisions about where to live.

Protecting Your Property in Peterlee

Given Peterlee's property crime rate of 46.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average, proactive home security is a critical consideration for homeowners. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV, often only record a burglary after it has happened, failing to prevent the incident. The emphasis should always be on deterring crime before it occurs.

For those seeking advanced protection, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive deterrence. Unlike systems that merely record, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as a real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles. ScOS learns your routines, distinguishing between family and genuine threats, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often making them decide to move on within 60 seconds. Positioned as a professional-grade alternative to basic DIY systems, scOS shifts the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it, offering superior peace of mind for Peterlee residents.