Seaham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Seaham's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 19.1% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while higher than the national benchmark, reflects a pattern consistent with the area's character as a built-up region within County Durham. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.8% of all reported incidents (62 cases), with a rate of 2.3 per 1,000—8% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.5% of total crimes (42 cases) at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000, a stark 72% above the UK average. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.5 per 1,000 (40 cases), were 212% above the national rate, suggesting localized issues tied to property neglect or environmental factors. These patterns align with the seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail activity and shorter days, which may limit opportunities for certain crimes while amplifying others. The area's built-up nature likely contributes to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property-related offences, though the exact drivers remain unclear without further analysis. The contrast between rising property crime and relatively stable violent crime rates underscores the need for targeted interventions that address both immediate community concerns and broader socioeconomic factors.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in other theft, which doubled from seven to 14 cases—a 100% increase. This surge, coupled with a similar jump in vehicle crime (from four to eight) and the emergence of one robbery case, signals a notable shift in crime dynamics. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, but its rate of 1.6 per 1,000—72% above the UK average—highlights a persistent challenge in community management. Conversely, burglary and public order offences both declined sharply: burglary fell by 71.4% (from seven to two cases), and public order offences dropped by 44.4% (from nine to five). These decreases may partly reflect seasonal factors, such as shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes. The contrast between rising property-related crimes and falling violent offences suggests a combination of local conditions, including post-holiday economic pressures and changes in public behaviour.

Seaham's crime rate in January 2026 rose 8.0% from the previous month's 7.5 per 1,000 to 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately seven crimes per day, a figure that highlights the persistent nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 124 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. This rate is higher than the UK average, but the comparison remains focused on Seaham's internal trajectory. The population context—26,653 residents—means that even modest increases in crime rates translate to measurable impacts on local communities. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader perspective on how crime permeates daily life in the area.