Seaham Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Seaham's crime rate in April 2023 stood at 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 9.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This performance contrasts with the national profile, where violence and sexual offences were 19% below the UK average (2.1 vs 2.6 per 1,000). The top three crime categories—violence and sexual offences (30.8% of total), criminal damage and arson (13.7%), and public order offences (11.5%)—highlight a mix of violent and property-related concerns. Seasonal factors in April, including Easter and spring weather, likely influenced these patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to public order issues. However, the area's lower rate of anti-social behaviour (41% below UK average) and vehicle crime (56% below UK average) suggests local characteristics may moderate certain crime types. The built-up nature of Seaham, combined with its location in County Durham, may explain the higher prevalence of criminal damage compared to the UK average, linked to industrial or commercial properties in the area. While violent crime decreased by 24.3% from March, the overall rate remains 9.3% below the UK average, indicating a consistent but not static crime profile. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with above-average criminal damage, while the decline in violence and sexual offences may reflect effective policing or seasonal factors.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in drug-related offences (300%) and 'other crime' (300%), driven by a surge from 1 to 4 and 2 to 8 incidents respectively. Shoplifting also rose 125% (8 to 18), possibly linked to Easter shopping activity. Conversely, vehicle crime fell 44.4% (9 to 5), and burglary dropped 33.3% (12 to 8), suggesting improved security measures or seasonal shifts. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 24.3% (74 to 56), a significant drop that contrasts with the UK average for this category. Criminal damage and arson in Seaham (0.9 per 1,000) were 48% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), indicating a localised issue that may relate to the area's built-up environment. Public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) were 25% above the UK average, tied to increased foot traffic during the Easter period.

Seaham's crime rate in April 2023 (6.8 per 1,000 residents) marks a 5.9% increase from March's 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. Daily crime statistics show an average of 6 crimes reported each day, with one crime occurring for every 146 residents over the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of frequency for local residents. When compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, Seaham remains 9.3% below, though this gap has narrowed slightly from previous months. The population context reveals that crime in Seaham is distributed across 26,653 residents, with property crimes and violent offences forming the bulk of reports. This rate is lower than the UK average for anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, suggesting local factors may contribute to these disparities. The shift in crime patterns from March to April highlights seasonal influences, with increased outdoor activity during spring potentially affecting crime distribution.