Seaham Crime Rate

About Seaham

Seaham, a coastal urban settlement, records an overall crime rate of 88.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is lower than the national average of 93.1 crimes per 1,000 people, indicating that crime levels in the area are safer compared to the rest of the UK. With an impressive safety score of 81 out of 100, Seaham is considered safer than the UK average safety score of 78/100. However, the crime rate in Seaham has shown an increasing trend over the past year, rising by 23.0%, suggesting a notable increase in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Seaham

An analysis of crime types in Seaham reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, with a rate of 28.9 per 1,000 people, accounting for 32.9% of all recorded crimes. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour at 16.3 per 1,000 residents (18.5%), and Criminal damage and arson at 12.0 per 1,000 residents (13.7%). These three categories collectively represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area. Property-related crime, which encompasses offences such as burglary (2.3 per 1,000), robbery (0.4 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (12.0 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.5 per 1,000), and other theft (5.4 per 1,000), stands at an overall rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a moderate risk of incidents affecting personal property, underscoring the value of attentive security measures.

Crime Trends in Seaham

Seaham has experienced a notable increasing trend in crime over the past year, with a significant rise of 23.0% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated. Starting at 5.9 in November 2024, it generally increased through the year, with a notable surge in July, August, and September, reaching peaks of 9.9 and 9.8 before settling at 7.7 in October 2025. This upward trend suggests a need for increased vigilance among residents, particularly given the substantial year-on-year increase.

How To Keep Safe in Seaham

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Seaham, taking proactive steps to ensure personal safety is crucial. Here are some localised tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Especially in public areas and during evenings, remain alert to people and situations around you.
2. Secure your property: Criminal damage and arson are also prevalent. Ensure your home and outbuildings are well-secured, and consider exterior lighting.
3. Mind your belongings when shopping: Shoplifting is a concern; keep bags and valuables secure when in retail areas, particularly in the town centre.
4. Report suspicious behaviour: Promptly report any instances of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local authorities to help maintain community safety.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Seaham

Crime in Seaham exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, with varying levels of activity across different time periods. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods show higher instances of theft and burglary, likely linked to daytime activity and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant increase in 'Other' crimes, which often include public order offences and violence, coinciding with socialising and nightlife. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and 'Other' offences become more prominent, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, providing opportunities for these types of offences.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Seaham's crime rate of 88.0 per 1,000 residents is considerably lower than some of its immediate neighbours. Murton (County Durham) has a significantly higher rate at 189.9 per 1,000, and Easington (County Durham) also shows a much higher rate at 174.5 per 1,000. Easington Lane (125.1 per 1,000) also has a higher crime rate. In contrast, South Hetton (68.4 per 1,000) reports a lower crime rate, suggesting it is a safer area. This comparison highlights Seaham's position as an urban settlement with a moderate crime rate relative to some more challenged areas nearby.

Proactive Protection Against Crime

With Seaham experiencing a property crime rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average, residents should consider robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often only provide reactive recording – giving you footage after a burglary has occurred. However, genuine protection lies in preventing crime before it happens. Sophisticated AI-powered systems, like scOS, offer proactive defence by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than after an intrusion. Unlike systems that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Its advanced pattern learning can differentiate between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats, reducing false alarms and ensuring you're only alerted when necessary. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and engage speakers, destroying the element of surprise and often causing potential intruders to move on within 60 seconds. This professional-grade deterrence is a significant step beyond basic DIY systems, offering real-time intervention and peace of mind by actively preventing crime rather than just documenting it.