Shildon Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Shildon's crime rate of 12.9 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 stands 89.7% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence from national trends. This built-up area within County Durham experiences higher rates of property-related crimes, with 65 incidents reported—accounting for nearly 48% of all recorded crimes. Violent crimes, though lower in proportion at 23% of the total (31 incidents), remain 20% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. The stark contrast with the UK national picture is most pronounced in criminal damage and arson, which occur at 338% the national rate, and burglary, 471% above the UK average. Seasonal factors appear to influence these patterns: January's post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall may contribute to the higher rates of property crime, while the decline in shoplifting (36.4% month-on-month) aligns with lower consumer activity. However, the 120% increase in public order offences suggests heightened tensions in community spaces, possibly exacerbated by colder weather driving more indoor gatherings. Shildon's crime profile reflects the challenges of a small urban centre with limited resources for policing and community engagement, where concentrated crime in specific categories overshadows the broader national context.

January 2026 saw a 41.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, from 53 to 31 incidents, marking the most significant monthly drop in this category since records began. This decline may reflect the post-holiday lull in alcohol-fuelled incidents or the impact of targeted policing efforts. Conversely, public order offences surged 120% (5 to 11), a stark contrast to the overall downward trend, possibly linked to increased enforcement in public spaces or shifts in community behaviour during colder weather. Bicycle theft, a previously negligible category, doubled to one incident—a rise that could signal the emergence of a new pattern as winter cycling activity wanes. Shildon's criminal damage and arson rate (2.1 per 1,000) remains 338% above the UK average, a persistent issue likely tied to the area's industrial heritage and potential neglect in certain neighbourhoods. While shoplifting fell by 36.4% (11 to 7), the absolute number of 7 incidents still represents 5.2% of total crimes, suggesting that retail premises remain vulnerable despite reduced footfall. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and enforcement priorities in shaping Shildon's crime profile.

Shildon's crime rate in January 2026 (12.9 per 1,000) was 5.6% lower than the previous month's rate of 13.7 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable improvement in overall safety. Over the course of the month, this equated to 4 reported crimes per day on average—a figure that, while seemingly low, translates to 1 crime occurring for every 78 residents. This monthly exposure ratio underscores the tangible risk faced by Shildon's population, particularly when compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, where the equivalent figure would be 1 crime for every 147 residents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Shildon residents experience crime at a rate more than double the national average, a disparity that persists despite the month-on-month decline. While the reduction from 13.7 to 12.9 per 1,000 is statistically significant, it remains far from the UK's overall trend, where crime rates have been consistently declining for years. This contrast may reflect Shildon's unique characteristics as a built-up area within County Durham, where industrial legacies, limited public transport options, and concentrated housing stock create conditions that sustain higher crime rates despite broader national improvements.