South Hetton Crime Rate

South Hetton currently maintains a crime rate of 68.3 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.1. This contributes to a strong safety score of 83/100, indicating that the area is safer than many other parts of the country. A particularly positive aspect of the local data is the recent trend direction, which shows a 13.0% decrease in reported crime year-over-year. This suggests that South Hetton is becoming increasingly secure for its inhabitants. The following sections provide a detailed look at the types of crime reported, temporal patterns, and how the area compares to its neighbours to give a full picture of the local safety landscape.

Crime in South Hetton

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in South Hetton, representing 47.0% of all incidents with a rate of 32.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.0% and criminal damage and arson at 17.0%. These figures indicate that community-level disturbances and interpersonal offences are the primary focus for local safety.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, has a combined rate of 16.4 per 1,000 residents. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most common at 4.0%, while burglary accounts for 2.0% and vehicle crime for 1.0%. Although these rates are lower than many urban averages, the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that property can still be at risk from vandalism. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the risk of theft is relatively low, securing the exterior of the home against both intrusion and damage is a necessary part of a comprehensive security plan.

South Hetton Crime Trends

The crime rate in South Hetton has seen a encouraging 13.0% decrease over the last year, moving from previous levels to the current rate of 68.3 per 1,000 residents. Analysis of the monthly data shows some variability, with crime reaching its highest point in July 2025 at a rate of 13.0. Other notable peaks occurred in September 2025 (8.2) and June 2025 (7.5).

Conversely, the area experienced its lowest crime levels in January 2025 (1.4) and March 2025 (2.7). This suggests that while there is an overall downward trend, there are seasonal spikes, particularly during the summer months. The general decline in crime is a positive indicator for South Hetton, reflecting a community that is becoming safer over time. Residents can take confidence in this trend, though remaining vigilant during peak months remains advisable.

How To Keep Safe in South Hetton

The most common crime type in South Hetton is violence and sexual offences. While many of these incidents are not public-facing, personal safety remains a key concern for the community.

1. When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using unlit footpaths or shortcuts through wooded areas.
2. Consider using a personal safety app on your phone that allows you to share your location with trusted friends or family members when you are out alone.
3. Be aware of your surroundings; avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones when walking in quieter areas, especially after dark.
4. If you ever feel uncomfortable or followed, head towards a busy public place like a local shop or pub and do not hesitate to ask for help.
5. For those living in more isolated properties, ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit and that you have a clear view of your entrance and driveway from inside.

Crime Timing in South Hetton

Crime in South Hetton shows distinct patterns based on the time of day. Theft is most prevalent during the daylight hours, with 24% occurring in the morning (6am - 12pm) and 27% in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm). This suggests that opportunistic property crimes are most likely to happen when the village is active and residents may be away from their homes.

As the day progresses into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts. While the overall volume of theft and violence decreases, the percentage of burglaries and vehicle crimes increases. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees the highest percentage of burglaries at 14% and vehicle crime at 11%. The majority of incidents in the late hours are classified as 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour. Residents should be particularly mindful of property and vehicle security during these overnight hours.

In a regional context, South Hetton is one of the safer settlements in this part of County Durham. Its crime rate of 68.3 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of Murton (189.9) and Easington Lane (125.1). It also compares favourably to Haswell, which has a rate of 94.5. The only nearby area with a lower rate is the very small Hetton le Hill, which recorded 0.0 crimes. This data shows that South Hetton offers a much more secure residential environment than many of its larger or more urbanised neighbours, making it a relatively safe choice for those living in the area.

Home Security in South Hetton

Homeowners in South Hetton face a property crime rate of 16.4 per 1,000 residents. While this is below the UK average, the prevalence of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour suggests that residential properties can still be targets for opportunistic offences. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV, often act as a post-incident tool, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. For true peace of mind, a more proactive approach is required.

Systems like scOS offer a significant upgrade by using AI-powered intelligence to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats and respond autonomously—using lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders before they can cause damage or attempt a break-in. This proactive detection is crucial in residential areas like South Hetton, where the goal is to stop a crime in the 60 seconds an intruder spends assessing a target. Professional-grade security not only protects your assets but also signals to would-be offenders that your property is a difficult and high-risk target, encouraging them to move on.