Seaham Crime Rate

Seaham, within County Durham, recorded a crime rate of 89.5 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that while Seaham isn't significantly more or less prone to crime than the national average, localised issues require attention. The area’s safety score stands at 81/100, indicating a generally safe environment, but a concerning upward trend has emerged. Crime rates have increased by a significant 21.6% year-on-year, demanding a closer examination of contributing factors and proactive measures to ensure community wellbeing. Understanding these trends is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

Seaham's crime data reveals a concerning pattern, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent at 765 incidents, representing 32.1% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 438 incidents (18.4%), highlighting community disruption. Criminal damage and arson account for 348 crimes (14.6%), signifying property vulnerability. Property crime, overall, stands at 34.0 per 1,000 residents, suggesting a need for enhanced security measures. Shoplifting contributes significantly with 280 reported incidents (11.7%), impacting local businesses. These statistics collectively point to a complex interplay of factors influencing crime within the area.

The upward trend in crime rates within Seaham, increasing by 21.6% year-on-year, is a concerning development. Monthly data reveals a consistent pattern of rising incidents. January 2025 saw 5.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, escalating to 7.5 per 1,000 by December 2025. Notably, July, August, and September 2025 all experienced peak monthly rates of 9.9 per 1,000, suggesting seasonal fluctuations. This sustained increase necessitates a comprehensive review of local crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives to address the root causes and mitigate further escalation.

How To Keep Safe in Seaham

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider using well-lit routes. With Anti-social behaviour being a significant concern, report any suspicious or disruptive behaviour to the authorities. Lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home, to deter criminal damage and arson. Be mindful of your belongings in public places to avoid opportunistic theft. Finally, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to enhance community vigilance and share safety information.

Criminal activity in Seaham demonstrates distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are slightly more frequent in the night (12am-6am), while theft tends to peak during commercial hours in the afternoon (12pm-6pm). Vehicle crime is notably higher overnight (11pm-6am), highlighting the importance of secure parking. Violence and sexual offences see a concentration during the evening (6pm-12am), particularly on weekends, which underscores the need for enhanced vigilance during those times.

Comparing Seaham’s crime rate to neighbouring areas reveals a varied picture. Murton, with a rate of 188.6 per 1,000, faces a considerably higher crime burden. South Hetton, at 73.1 per 1,000, presents a more favourable comparison. Easington (County Durham) and Easington Lane, with rates of 172.0 and 124.2 per 1,000 respectively, also demonstrate higher crime levels than Seaham. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime challenges and the importance of targeted interventions within Seaham itself.

Traditional CCTV provides a record of events after they’ve occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually preventing threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive approach to home security. Systems like scOS utilise AI to detect suspicious activity at the property boundary, recognising your family, deliveries, and routines, only alerting you to genuine threats. The multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive coverage, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. This level of deterrence – the visible presence of professional-grade security – can often make that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders: they simply move on. While DIY security systems have their place, scOS offers a significant step up in preventative protection.