Seaham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Seaham

Seaham, a built-up area with a population of approximately 26,653, records an overall crime rate of 86.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment than the national average. The area achieves a strong safety score of 81 out of 100, which is significantly above the UK average safety score of 78/100. In terms of recent trends, Seaham has experienced an increasing period, showing a 21.0% 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 Seaham residents.

Crime Type Analysis in Seaham

An examination of crime types in Seaham reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 767 crimes (28.8 per 1,000 residents, 33.3% of total). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, accounting for 432 incidents (16.2 per 1,000, 18.7% of total), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 313 crimes (11.7 per 1,000, 13.6% 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, Seaham reports a rate of 31.9 per 1,000 people. This is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a slightly lower level of risk regarding property security compared to the national average. However, the presence of criminal damage and arson within the top three crimes suggests that general vigilance and securing valuables remain important for maintaining the area's positive safety profile.

Crime Trends in Seaham

Seaham has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a notable 21.0% change year-over-year. This indicates a significant rise in the total number of crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals a clear upward trajectory. The crime rate per 1,000 residents, which was 6.2 in October 2024, saw some fluctuations but steadily increased, reaching 9.9 in July and August 2025, and remaining high at 9.8 by September 2025. This suggests a sustained increase in crime activity over the recent months.

For residents, this increasing trend warrants attention. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the substantial year-over-year increase suggests a need for heightened awareness and a review of personal and property security measures. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be particularly vigilant and adapt their preventative strategies to address the escalating crime levels within the community.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Seaham

An analysis of crime data in Seaham reveals distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are particularly noticeable, accounting for 39% of crimes, closely followed by 'Other' categories at 45%, and burglary at 7%. This suggests a period where commercial activity might contribute to theft, and properties are becoming active after the night.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining prominent at 44%, with 'Other' crimes at 41%, and burglary at 12%. This could be linked to peak shopping hours and residential properties being unoccupied. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime categories become dominant at 67%, with theft reducing to 15% and burglary 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 25% and burglary 13%. 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 Seaham, it is beneficial to compare its statistics with those of similar nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 86.5 per 1,000, Seaham presents a relatively balanced safety profile within its regional context. For instance, areas such as Murton (County Durham), South Hetton, Easington (County Durham), and Easington Lane all contribute to the localised crime landscape. While specific rates for each cannot be detailed here, it is generally observed that smaller, more residential communities may experience different crime patterns compared to larger urban centres.

This comparison helps residents and prospective movers understand how Seaham'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 Seaham

With Seaham's property crime rate at 31.9 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average but showing an increasing trend, proactive home security is a pertinent 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 Seaham residents.