Startforth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Startforth, County Durham, reveal a concerning picture. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 118.0 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a greater incidence of crime compared to the national average. The safety score for Startforth is 71/100, further reinforcing the perception of reduced safety. The trend is upward, with crime increasing by 8.2% year-on-year, suggesting a potential escalation in criminal activity within the area. Understanding these key figures is crucial for assessing the safety and well-being of the community.

The crime landscape in Startforth is predominantly shaped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.6% of reported incidents (139 crimes). These are followed by ‘other’ crimes, comprising 17.4% of the total (53 crimes), and anti-social behaviour, representing 10.2% (31 crimes). Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly, at 8.8% (27 crimes). While burglary is present, it accounts for a relatively smaller proportion of the overall crime statistics at 3.9% (12 crimes). Shoplifting represents 4.6% of crimes, and vehicle crime is notably low at only 0.7% (2 crimes), highlighting a potentially different set of challenges compared to areas with higher vehicle crime rates. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences warrants particular attention when considering the overall safety profile of Startforth.

The rising crime rate in Startforth, increasing by 8.2% year-on-year, is a concerning trend. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, but a general upward trajectory is evident. January 2025 recorded a rate of 7.4 per 1,000, which steadily increased to 9.3 per 1,000 in May before peaking at 13.2 per 1,000 in both June and July. A slight dip occurred in August (9.3 per 1,000) before another rise in October (10.8 per 1,000), culminating in a high of 13.2 per 1,000 in December. This consistent upward trend warrants further investigation and proactive measures to address the underlying causes.

How To Keep Safe in Startforth

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Startforth, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Firstly, avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. Secondly, be cautious when interacting with strangers and trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself. Thirdly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and collective safety. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and consider installing motion-sensor lights to deter potential intruders, particularly in light of the burglary risk.

Across Startforth, burglary tends to be more frequent in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), while violence and theft are concentrated in the evening and night hours (6pm - 6am). Vehicle crime exhibits a higher incidence during the overnight period (12am - 6am), suggesting a potential link to opportunistic theft. Overall, the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am, see a significant rise in various crime types, highlighting a period of increased risk for residents and businesses.

Startforth's crime rate of 118.0 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than that of nearby Barnard Castle (67.8 per 1,000) and Cotherstone (46.8 per 1,000). Staindrop also has a lower rate at 56.8 per 1,000, while Mickleton (County Durham) reports a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting a stark contrast in safety levels within the region. These differences in crime rates suggest varying levels of risk and safety across the local area.

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