The question of violence and sexual offences in Peterlee is understandably a concern for residents. Based on available data, the overall crime rate in Peterlee, designated as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within County Durham, stands at 145.0 incidents per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. The population of Peterlee is recorded as 20,367.
While specific breakdowns of violence and sexual offences as distinct categories within that overall crime rate are not provided in the data, the elevated general crime rate suggests a potentially elevated risk. The area's safety score is 67/100, which is also lower than the UK average of 79. A lower safety score indicates a perception of lower safety among residents and reflects the statistical reality of a higher crime rate.
It's important to contextualise these numbers. Crime rates are complex and influenced by numerous factors, including population density, socioeconomic conditions, and reporting practices. A higher crime rate doesn't necessarily mean that Peterlee is inherently more dangerous than other areas; it simply means that more crimes are being reported or occurring relative to the population size.
Further investigation into the specific types of crimes contributing to the higher rate would be necessary to gain a more granular understanding of the situation. Local police forces and council websites are valuable resources for more detailed crime data and information about community safety initiatives. The higher crime rate and lower safety score compared to the UK average should prompt residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.