Shildon Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Shildon recorded 154 crimes across a population of 10,474, translating to a crime rate of 14.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 83.7% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the area's distinct challenges in crime prevention. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences (48 incidents) accounted for 31.2% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (23 incidents) and burglary (18 incidents). These figures suggest a pattern where property crimes and personal violence dominate, potentially linked to the area's character as a semi-rural built-up zone with limited commercial infrastructure. The seasonal context of October—marked by darker evenings, the clocks going back, and Halloween—may have contributed to an environment where antisocial behaviour and property crime are more likely to occur. For instance, the sharp rise in burglary could be tied to the increased presence of transient populations during the holiday period, while the high rate of criminal damage may reflect a combination of local socioeconomic factors and the limited resources available for community maintenance. The absence of significant spikes in theft from the person or vehicle crime, which are more common in tourist-heavy areas, further aligns with Shildon's profile as a less densely populated region. However, the elevated rates of violence and property crime remain a pressing concern, requiring targeted interventions that address both immediate security needs and long-term community resilience.

October 2023 saw a dramatic 260% increase in burglary incidents, rising from five to 18. This jump, alongside a 100% rise in both robbery and bicycle theft, points to a shift in criminal activity that may align with seasonal factors like Halloween or the return of transient populations. Shildon's rate for criminal damage and arson—2.2 per 1,000—was 249% above the UK average, a stark deviation that could reflect localized vulnerabilities in property management or community cohesion. Meanwhile, drug-related offences fell by 50% compared to the previous month, though this decline remains modest against the backdrop of other rising categories. The decrease in public order offences by 43.8% offers a counterpoint, suggesting that some community-focused initiatives or seasonal lulls may have temporarily reduced disorderly conduct. These contrasts highlight the uneven nature of crime trends, with certain categories spiking sharply while others show signs of stabilization.

Shildon's October 2023 crime rate of 14.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 14.0% increase from the previous month's 12.9 per 1,000. This rise, while significant, remains consistent with broader seasonal patterns in areas with smaller populations, where fluctuations can be more pronounced. Daily crime activity averaged five incidents per day, translating to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 68 residents. This figure underscores the heightened visibility of crime in a community of Shildon's size, where even modest increases in absolute numbers can shift the perceived risk. While the rate remains well above the UK average, the comparison to the previous month highlights the need for contextual analysis. For instance, the sharp rise in burglary—up 260% from five to 18 incidents—suggests a specific spike that may relate to seasonal factors such as Halloween or the return of short-term residents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the elevated rate, the absolute number of crimes (154) is manageable in a town of 10,474 people, though the concentration in certain categories deserves closer attention.