Seaham Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Seaham’s crime profile in March 2024 reveals a nuanced interplay between property and violent crime, with property-related incidents slightly outweighing violent ones. The overall crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 is 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend that reflects the area’s relatively low crime environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.5% of all crimes, with 48 incidents reported. This figure is 33% below the UK average for this category, suggesting that the built-up area’s social and spatial characteristics may contribute to lower levels of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 15.8% of incidents, again significantly below the UK average. Shoplifting, the third most common crime, saw a 22.2% decline from February, though it remained 18% below the UK average. The seasonal context of March—marked by the transition to spring and extended daylight hours—may have influenced these patterns. For instance, the decrease in shoplifting could be linked to reduced foot traffic during the early spring, while the rise in burglary might reflect increased opportunities in residential areas as evenings lengthen. These trends highlight the importance of contextual factors in shaping local crime dynamics, even within a relatively safe built-up area.

March 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Burglary surged by 300% compared to February, rising from two to eight incidents. Similarly, vehicle crime increased by 200%, and drug-related offences doubled. These spikes contrast with declines in other areas, such as a 55.6% drop in 'other crime' and a 50% reduction in robbery. The balance between property and violent crime remained closely aligned, with property crimes (53) slightly outpacing violent crimes (48). Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 34.5% of all crimes, remained 33% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This suggests that while property crime rates are rising in certain categories, the overall violent crime profile remains comparatively low. Residents may find the 300% increase in burglary particularly noteworthy, as it highlights a sharp shift in local crime dynamics that could warrant closer attention from local authorities.

Seaham’s crime rate in March 2024 rose 8.8% compared to February’s 4.8 per 1,000, reaching 5.2 per 1,000. This places it 32.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s lower overall crime profile. Locally, 139 crimes were reported over 31 days, averaging four incidents daily. This equates to one reported crime for roughly every 192 residents over the course of the month, a measure that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents in a built-up area. The population context shows that, while the rate remains below the UK average, the 8.8% increase from February suggests a slight upward trend. This could be linked to seasonal factors, such as the transition to spring and extended evening hours. The daily crime count remains a useful indicator for residents, offering a tangible sense of local crime exposure without overemphasizing rare or isolated incidents.